Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)

Key characteristics

Natterjacks are typically 60–70 mm in adult body length and have the rough, warty skin common to true toads. Notable identifying features include:

• Yellow dorsal stripe running from head to rump, often broken but usually conspicuous.
• Shorter hind limbs than many other toads, giving a walking or running gait rather than long hops.
• Cryptic colouring in shades of brown, olive or sandy tones, often with darker spots for camouflage.

Habitat and distribution

Unlike many amphibians that prefer dense vegetation, the natterjack tends to occupy open habitats such as coastal dunes, sandy heaths, lowland grasslands and disturbed ground where shallow, warm pools form. Its distribution is centred in western and central Europe, with local populations found where suitable breeding and foraging sites persist. For regional information and conservation status see further resources.

Behaviour and reproduction

Males produce an unusually loud, rasping or trumpet-like call that carries across open terrain; this helps them attract females to ephemeral breeding pools. Breeding typically takes place in shallow, often temporary ponds or puddles where eggs and tadpoles develop rapidly before the water dries. The species is primarily nocturnal in warm months and feeds on invertebrates such as beetles, ants and worms.

Conservation and importance

Populations of the natterjack have declined in many areas because of habitat loss, drainage of breeding sites, coastal development and fragmentation. Conservation measures focus on protecting and restoring open, sandy habitats, creating and managing shallow breeding ponds, and reducing barriers between sites so populations can disperse. The species is protected or managed in parts of its range and is often a priority in habitat restoration projects.

Distinctions and notable facts

Compared with many other toads, the natterjack's combination of a bright dorsal stripe and a short-legged walking gait makes it relatively easy to recognise in the field. Its loud mating call is disproportionate to its size and can be heard at considerable distances on warm nights. Because it relies on a patchwork of ephemeral water bodies and open land, it serves as an indicator of healthy lowland and coastal habitats.