Epidalea calamita
The Natterjack Toad is smaller than the Common Toad (Bufo bufo) and has a yellow dorsal stripe running down the centre its back. It is also much rarer, with the main UK populations being on sand dunes on the Norfolk coast and on the Lancashire/Cumbria coast. It has disappeared from many former sites on dry inland heaths. The crucial habitat requirement for this noisy amphibian is the presence of shallow pools which warm quickly in the spring and are likely to be free of other amphibian larvae which predate the tadpoles. This endangered species is strictly protected under British and European law.
Text: Tony Leech
Classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 and Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.
Natterjack toads have brown or green skin covered in warts which are often bright yellow or red. Its distinguishing feature is the bold yellow dorsal stripe down its back. It is about 5 – 8cms long and its pupil is a horizontal slit. Natterjack toads tend to run rather than walk or hop.
Length: 6-7cm
Weight: 4-19g
Text: NWT
Like the common toad, the natterjack toad spends the winter hibernating. It emerges later than frogs and common toads - usually in April, however, depending on the weather conditions it may be as early as March and as late as June. During the breeding season the males can be seen (or more often heard) making their distinctive rasping call especially in the evening and after rain. During warm weather they are harder to see as they then hide in burrows until night when they emerge to feed on a wide variety of invertebrates.
Text: NWT
In Norfolk they can be found on the NWT reserves at Holme and Syderstone Common, the Natural England reserve in Winterton and other coastal sites near to dunes.
Text: NWT
Natterjack toads like sandy habitats – such as coastal dunes, coastal grazing and saltmarshes and heaths - where shallow pools of warm water which they need for breeding can form.
Text: NWT
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Text: The Wildlife Trusts
Breed in warm, shallow water. Long jelly-like stings of spawn similar to the Common Toad, however, eggs are in single rather than double strings. During the breeding season a female natterjack toad can lay up to 7,500 eggs.
Text: Froglife