Common toad populations have declined by over 70% since the 1980s, with road mortality during spring migration a significant welfare and conservation concern.
Toads killed on roads die from traumatic injuries under vehicle tyres - an acute welfare cost repeated at the same sites year after year. Toad patrol volunteers provide direct welfare benefit by physically carrying toads across dangerous crossings. Infrastructure solutions including amphibian culverts and drift fencing provide more permanent welfare protection at the worst hotspot sites.