Natterjack toads, one of Britain’s rarest amphibians, reintroduced into Cumbria
08/09/2008 11:09:52
New Forest Reptile Centre
Natterjacks look similar to common toads, apart from an obvious yellow stripe running down their backs and a metallic green and black iris, and they have the ability to change colour to blend in with their background.
The natterjack toad is strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Capturing, disturbing, injuring and killing toads are prohibited, as is damaging or destroying their breeding sites and resting places.
The Forestry Commission and the Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT) joined forces to breed the toads at the New Forest Reptile Centre in an attempt to increase current populations. Thirteen of the charismatic toads, one of the United Kingdom's rarest amphibians, were introduced to their new home - a specially prepared ‘pod' resembling one of their natural habitats of sandy heaths and shallow ponds.
Their genetic line can be traced back to a former breeding site in Whitbeck, near Millom on the Cumbrian coast, one of only around 50 populations in the UK. Natterjack toads have undergone serious declines in the 20th century. Some of the current populations are the result of reintroduction programmes planned by the HCT.
Instant tadpoles
Forestry Commission Ranger, Richard Daponte, said "We expected these rare amphibians to need months settling into their new home before conditions were just right to produce their first young next spring. However, two days later I was astonished to find the ponds full of natterjack spawn ‘strings' which to my delight soon developed into tadpoles."
John Wilkinson, Research and Monitoring Officer for HCT, said "The tadpoles have now been released into suitable pools at Whitbeck where we are trying to establish new breeding colonies. The success of our conservation projects is often dependent on partnerships with supportive landowners."
In the past, the Forestry Commission has worked with HCT on the reintroduction into the wild of reptile species, including the sand lizard, and the Centre has played a key role in this work. Mr Daponte said the centre was unique in being home to all of the UK's indigenous amphibian and reptile species. He added that the facility was also an invaluable resource for people studying wildlife and visitors to the New Forest who were simply fascinated by it.
More about the Herpetological Conservation Trust