Wildlife

Wild Amphibian Road Mortality and Welfare

Road deaths of frogs, toads, and newts during migration represent one of the most preventable causes of amphibian mortality and welfare cost.

Key Facts

Common toad populations have declined by 68% since 1985 partly due to road mortality
Thousands of toads are killed crossing roads each spring migration night
Amphibian tunnels under roads significantly reduce migration mortality
Toad patrols by volunteers have moved millions of toads safely across roads
Road mortality affects both population viability and significant individual suffering

Welfare Considerations

Being struck by a vehicle causes acute suffering for amphibians. The scale of road mortality - millions of individuals per year - represents massive welfare cost. Prevention through tunnels, temporary road closures, and volunteer patrols is highly cost-effective and directly prevents suffering.

What You Can Do

Join a local toad patrol to carry toads safely across roads each spring
Support installation of amphibian tunnels on known migration routes
Install garden ponds to provide local breeding habitat reducing road crossing distance