Written by Eve Goddard, Transforming Lives Trainee.
Natterjack toads are the lesser known of the two native UK toad species.
Smaller than the common toad, natterjacks are up to 7cm in length and have shorter legs, which they use to run in short bursts. Unlike the common toad’s bronze iris, natterjacks’ are bright green. Their most distinguishing feature is the yellowy stripe which runs down the centre of their back.
Their common name is said to come from their distinguished rasping call which can be heard up to two km away. Males take advantage of this in spring, the louder their call, the more chance they have of attracting females.
You can hear their call by clicking this link (© Slitere National Park)
Habitats
Natterjacks live in saltmarsh, heathland and coastal areas. They use warm freshwater ponds for breeding. One example being ponds that form in sand dunes. Their spawn is laid in singular rows, unlike the common toad’s double rows. In preferable conditions their spawn can mature very quickly – in as little as six weeks, which creates an evolutionary advantage for avoiding predators, and leaving a pond that may be both porous due the sandy substrate and/or seasonal.
For hibernation in the winter, their shorter strong limbs come into play. They dig burrows in sand or light sandy soils. Natterjacks will also use the same technique in the summer to protect themselves from particularly hot weather.
Conservation
As one of the UK’s rarest amphibians, natterjack toads are a protected species by law, it is an offence to kill, injure, capture or disturb them; damage or destroy their habitat; or possess them or sell or trade them in any way. This also applies to larval stages and eggs.
Although their populations are few and far between, owing largely to habitat loss, there are some simple steps we can all take to protecting their habitats. When visiting saltmarsh, heathland or coastal areas taking litter home with you, keeping to designated footpaths, and keeping dogs on leads and out of ponds all helps.
Remember, if you spot a natterjack toad or any of our reptiles or amphibians – the Dragonfinder App will allow you record your findings and help us in our conservation efforts.