Wildlife

Wild Natterjack Toad Welfare

Natterjack toads are one of the UK's rarest amphibians, restricted to sandy heathland and coastal dune systems, and dependent on ephemeral pools for breeding.

Key Facts

Natterjack toads are confined to approximately 60 sites in the UK, mainly in coastal and heathland areas
They are strictly nocturnal breeders, using shallow, warm pools that dry in summer
Males produce loud choruses in April and May audible up to a kilometre away
They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Habitats Regulations
Conservation management includes pool creation and vegetation management to maintain warm, open habitats

Welfare Considerations

Natterjack toad welfare is inseparable from habitat management. The species is acutely sensitive to habitat degradation and requires active conservation management to persist at remaining sites.

What You Can Do

Support Amphibian and Reptile Conservation's natterjack toad programme
Report natterjack choruses and breeding activity to your county wildlife trust
Never disturb natterjack breeding pools or surrounding terrestrial habitat