Friday, February 27, 2015

Creature Feature #496: Natterjack Toad

The  Natterjack is a European Toad, living in sandy areas and heaths. He is noted for his loud and distinctive mating call, amplified by the large vocal sac in his throat. Adult toads are quite spread out across their range, and can travel large distances. Thus he needs a loud voice to call to the females. Small pools of water are required for breeding, and these are often ephemeral. The breeding period extends across the summer, allowing the toads to compensate for the risk of the pools drying out.

Currently classified as least concern, but under threat in some areas from urban development and habitat modification.

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