The Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Terrific toads!

The Common Toad (Bufo bufo) is a widespread species encompassing much of Europe and Asia. This species can range in tones of brown, green, red, and grey. They are dry and warty in appearance, with horizontal pupils and copper-coloured eyes. 

The Common Toads' habitat preference is that of woodland, rough undisturbed grassland, and scrubland. Toads have thicker, more waterproof skin in comparison to frogs, so they are able to spend their time in dry areas. Water bodies should be close by for returning during mating season.

Late October to early March is generally a time of hibernation, it is also unlikely to see these toads during the daytime as they are predominantly nocturnal; other factors do alter their activity occasionally such as illness, weather changes, and mating. At the end of hibernation, the toads will begin their journey back to their ancestral mating ponds, and sadly due to the urbanisation of most areas, this amounts to many road mortalities.

As you can see in the image above, the male will latch on to the females (that are larger in size than the males) while fighting off other waiting males. This can be quite brutal for the female toads, sometimes having a dozen males attempting to mount her; this can sometimes end with female toads drowning.

Amphibians are in decline and at risk of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss, Chytridiomycosis (an infectious disease, that is sadly spread by humans with footwear and other interactions), air and water pollution and climate change. This is a global issue and they are in desperate need of help, the links listed below will give some information on things everyone can do to help these beautiful creatures and more on why they are such a valued species. 

https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/amphibians7.html 

https://www.arc-trust.org/benefits-of-our-work

https://www.arguk.org/info-advice/educational-resources/more-about-our-native-amphibians-and-reptiles/common-toad-bufo-bufo/513-toad-conservation-toad-patrols-in-the-uk-pdf/file