Toads on Roads

[Peter Parrot]

It`s that time of year again and we now have three seperate sites which we are looking after simultaneously. The pics below are from a new site. A mile long stretch of road with woodland one side and a canal the other.

The first night we spent there gave us a result of 68 toads, 4 palmate newts and 5 frogs which were crossing back the other way having finished spawning.

The second night gave us 24 toads, two palmate newts and a single frog also crossing back. 6 of the toads were females crossing back having deposited their spawn.

Last night was too cold and dry and no amphibians were about as was this evening. The next lot of rain will bring another surge of activity.

 

[froggy]

Great job, Peter. Good luck witht he rest of the season. Is there no chance of getting toad tunnels put in?

 

[Peter Parrot]

Hi Michael,

This particular site comprises of a mile and a half stretch of fast road. The forest side of the road where the toads are coming from is also a very steep wooded incline. Toad tunnels would of course be marvellous, but it would take a fair amount of money and some engineering to sort out, and would of course also involve a fair amount of tree felling and excavation.

19 toads tonight and 9 palmate newts. Some of the toads were females on their way back from spawning, some of them were on their way to the spawning site. I have noticed that the breeding season these days is far less "explosive" and far more protracted than 30 plus years ago.