Print Page | Close Window

Common Toad?

Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: General
Forum Name: What is it?
Forum Description: Seen something in the wild and wondering what it is? This is the place to ask
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4918
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 12:05pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Common Toad?
Posted By: Sparviter
Subject: Common Toad?
Date Posted: 18 Apr 2015 at 5:09pm
Hi all. My name is Lee, this is my first post on the forum. I recently visited the area of dune land at Ainsdale where natterjacks are known to breed and I found a number of toads. All were juveniles and had unusual (to me) reddish colouration, but none had the characteristic yellow dorsal stripe of the natterjack. I guess they are just young Bufo bufo? I didn't expect to see these as the dominant Bufo species on this site though. Best regards, Lee.

http://s124.photobucket.com/user/sparviter/media/128copy_zps9lxa4q3e.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">



Replies:
Posted By: will
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2015 at 6:40am
Hi Lee and welcome. You're right, this is a common toad Bufo bufo and not a natterjack. Common toads will colonise dune habitat once the sward gets longer and the scrub gets denser, and because they spawn earlier in the year (typically) their tadpoles will compete and predate natterjacks, so common toads in natterjack areas are not generally welcomed by those who conserve their rarer cousins! Might be worth going on an organised walk if you want guaranteed NJ action?


Posted By: Sparviter
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2015 at 5:52pm
Thanks Will.



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2016 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.co.uk