Natterjack Toad

Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) is a unique species of toad native to various regions of Europe, known for its distinctive yellow dorsal stripe and its preference for sandy habitats. This fascinating amphibian holds a special place in ecosystems due to its behaviors, adaptations, and ecological roles.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Bufonidae
Genus:	Epidalea
Scientific Name:	Epidalea calamita

Description

Natterjack Toad is easily identifiable by its distinct features and coloration.

• Size: Adults typically measure 6–8 cm, though males can grow up to 10 cm.
• Color: The dorsal side varies from olive, brown, to gray, covered in warts that range in color from green to red or dark brown. The bright yellow line running from the snout down the back is a hallmark feature. Their underbellies are creamy white with dark green spots, while males’ off-white throats are tinted blue or purple during the breeding season.
• Body: They have flattened bodies, short limbs, and partly webbed feet. Males develop nuptial pads during mating seasons.
• Head: Compared to the common toad, their eardrums are less visible. They possess parotoid glands behind their eyes.
• Eyes: Golden or green irises with horizontal black pupils distinguish their gaze.

Distribution

The Natterjack Toad is found across southwestern and western Europe, extending eastward to regions like Ukraine and Belarus. It primarily inhabits sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and lowland marshes, where it benefits from loose soils for burrowing. In the British Isles, this species occupies select habitats, with populations established in both natural and introduced sites. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding grounds, as habitat loss threatens its stability. Seasonal ponds play a crucial role in reproduction, providing the necessary environment for tadpole development. Climate and human activity influence its distribution and long-term survival.

Habitat

This species inhabits open fields, grasslands, sand dunes, and salt marshes, preferring sandy soils for burrowing. It is commonly found in regions with moist but well-drained substrates, which provide ideal hiding spots. The amphibian relies on shallow, temporary ponds for reproduction, as these environments offer safety from predators. Due to its limited swimming ability, it avoids deeper waters that could pose a survival risk. Seasonal rainfall plays a crucial role in creating suitable breeding sites. During dry periods, individuals retreat underground to retain moisture. Their habitat selection ensures protection while supporting their unique life cycle.

Diet

This species exhibits a varied diet depending on its life stage. Adults primarily feed on small invertebrates, such as ants, mollusks, worms, spiders, and beetles, occasionally preying on small reptiles. Their hunting strategy relies on quick movements and a sticky tongue to capture prey efficiently. Tadpoles start by consuming algae before transitioning to a more opportunistic diet, including dead fish, other tadpoles, and aquatic organisms. Their feeding habits play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Seasonal availability of food influences dietary patterns, ensuring adaptability to different environments.

Behavior

These amphibians display fascinating behaviors adapted to their environment:

1. Nocturnal: Active hunters at night, using their excellent vision to track prey in low light.
2. Aggressive Hunters: They chase prey and employ a quick flick of their sticky tongues to capture it efficiently.
3. Mating Calls: During mating seasons, males emit loud, raspy calls to attract females, typically in wetland areas.
4. Burrow Defense: They rest near burrow entrances to quickly retreat into safety when threatened, utilizing their burrow as a refuge from predators.

Predators

Natterjack Toads and their tadpoles face a variety of predators throughout their life stages.

1. Birds: Large birds, including magpies, crows, and herons, are known to prey on adult toads, often picking them off during their nocturnal activities.
2. Mammals: Mammals such as otters, foxes, hedgehogs, and rats are common predators, hunting both the toads and their tadpoles, especially in wetland areas where these amphibians reside.
3. Reptiles: Grass snakes may pose a threat to both adults and tadpoles, using their speed to catch prey in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
4. Aquatic Predators: In their early life stages, fish, aquatic insect larvae, and even other frogs can consume the vulnerable tadpoles, limiting their survival. These threats highlight the importance of safe breeding environments.

Adaptations

The Natterjack Toad has developed several key adaptations to thrive in its environment:

1. Running Legs: Unlike most toads, it has longer, powerful legs that enable fast, running movements instead of the typical hop, helping it escape predators quickly.
2. Prolonged Reproduction: It uses temporary water pools for breeding, taking advantage of long mating seasons to maximize reproduction when conditions are ideal.
3. Camouflage: Its distinctive yellow stripe helps it blend into sand sedge plants and sandy environments, providing effective protection from predators.
4. Poisonous Secretion: The toad produces toxic secretions from its skin, acting as a defense mechanism to deter predators from attacking or consuming it.

Lifespan

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Natterjack Toad is approximately 15 years, although they can live longer under optimal conditions. Their lifespan can be influenced by factors such as habitat quality, predation, and environmental conditions.

Below is a breakdown of their lifespan:

Life Stage	Average Lifespan	Factors Affecting Lifespan
Eggs	2-3 weeks	Water temperature and quality
Tadpoles	1-3 months	Availability of food and aquatic predators
Juveniles	1-2 years	Survival through predation and environmental stress
Adults	10-15 years	Habitat quality, predation, and health conditions

In the wild, they can live up to 15 years if they successfully avoid predators and have access to suitable breeding environments.

Hibernation

Hibernation in Natterjack Toads begins in late October or early November. They dig burrows in sandy soil to seek shelter from the cold, where they remain dormant. During this period, their metabolism slows down to conserve energy. The toads emerge from hibernation in April, as temperatures rise and conditions become suitable for breeding and foraging. This hibernation period allows them to survive the harsh winter months when food is scarce and temperatures are low. It is a vital adaptation to ensure survival during the cold season.

Mating and Reproduction

• Season: Late April to July.
• Egg-Laying: Females lay 1,500–5,000 eggs in strings, often in double rows that narrow to single rows in shallow ponds.
• Maturity: Toads reach reproductive maturity at 3–4 years.
• Hatching: Eggs hatch in 7–10 days, with tadpoles metamorphosing into toadlets in 6–8 weeks.

Call

Male Natterjack Toads produce rasping mating calls amplified by external vocal sacs under their chins. These calls are often heard over long distances, particularly during group calling at night.

As Pets

It is illegal to capture or own these toads in most regions due to strict conservation laws. Special licenses are required in exceptional circumstances.

Conservation Status

The Natterjack Toad is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, indicating a relatively stable population. However, it faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. These factors impact its breeding and feeding grounds. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and legal protection through initiatives like the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. These efforts aim to protect key habitats and ensure long-term survival. Continued action is needed to mitigate emerging threats and maintain healthy populations.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about this species:

• The former scientific name of this species “Bufo calamita” means “running toad”. They derived this name from the fact that they move by running rather than hopping.
• This is the only Toad species native to Ireland.
• The call of the male Natterjack can be heard from distances of several kilometers.
• These creatures are often considered to be the noisiest amphibians of Europe.

faq’s

References

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/amphibians/natterjack-toad

Natterjack Toad

https://amphibiaweb.org/species/130