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The natterjack toad is almost exclusively confined to coastal
sand dune systems, coastal grazing marshes and sandy heaths in
the UK; a single colony has been found on an upland fell site in
Cumbria. Being found on only 60 sites in Britain (and one in
Ireland), these toads are extremely rare; notable populations
are found along the Merseyside coast, the Cumbrian coast and on
the Scottish Solway. Natterjack toads are known for their loud
calls and quick ‘running’ movements.
adults rarely grow to more than 8cm.
usually a shade of brown or grey.
some darker blotches and usually a thin yellow stripe down the
back.
rare and hence have full legal protection under UK law making it
an offence to kill, injure, capture, disturb or sell them or to
damage or destroy their habitats.
Natterjack toads lay single strings of spawn (eggs) in warm,
shallow ponds (common toads lay double strings); breeding is
usually between April and July. The tadpoles are small and black
but develop quickly. The yellow stripe is clearly visible on
toadlets as they leave the water.
Adults hibernate between November and March.
Adult natterjack toads emerge from their overwintering sites in
late spring and start migrating towards the pond on mild, damp
evenings. Males wait near to the pond and use their load call to
find a mate. Natterjack toads do not spend much time in the
water and are poor swimmers.
Loss of coastal dunes and pools.
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