FridayOL

A Resounding Success Story: The Natterjack Toad Returns to the South Downs

The South Downs National Park is celebrating a remarkable conservation success: the natterjack toad, Britain's loudest amphibian, is making a significant comeback. Once facing a precarious future, these fascinating creatures are thriving thanks to dedicated habitat restoration efforts.

Why are Natterjack Toads so Loud?

The natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) earns its nickname honestly. Unlike many other amphibians with quiet calls, the natterjack boasts a distinctive, high-pitched 'creak' – often described as sounding like a squeaky door or a rusty gate. This unique vocalisation, primarily used by males to attract females during breeding season, is surprisingly loud for such a small creature. It’s a key part of their courtship ritual and a vital indicator of a healthy population.

A History of Decline and Conservation Challenges

Historically, natterjack toads were found across much of southern England and Wales. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification, drainage of wetlands, and coastal development led to a drastic decline in their numbers throughout the 20th century. By the 1980s, they were confined to just a handful of isolated locations.

The South Downs Project: Creating the Right Conditions

The recent resurgence of the natterjack toad in the South Downs is directly attributable to a targeted conservation project. This initiative focused on recreating and maintaining the specific habitat conditions the toads need to survive and breed. Key elements of the project included:

• Creating Shallow Pools: Natterjacks require shallow, sandy pools for breeding. These pools must be ephemeral – drying out during the summer months to prevent larvae from drowning. The project involved creating and managing these vital breeding habitats.
• Managing Vegetation: The right type of vegetation is crucial. Short, sparse vegetation provides ideal basking spots and hunting grounds for the toads. Grazing by livestock, carefully managed, has proven effective in maintaining this vegetation structure.
• Reducing Predation: Predator control measures, such as managing populations of invasive plants that provide cover for predators, have also played a role.
• Public Awareness & Engagement: Raising awareness among local communities and landowners has been essential for long-term success.

A Sign of Hope for Amphibian Conservation

The natterjack toad’s comeback in the South Downs is a testament to the power of targeted conservation efforts. It demonstrates that, with careful planning and dedicated action, even species facing severe decline can be brought back from the brink. This success story provides a valuable blueprint for amphibian conservation across the UK and beyond, highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring vital habitats.

Looking Ahead

While the news is undoubtedly positive, ongoing monitoring and management are essential to ensure the natterjack toad population continues to thrive in the South Downs. The project team will continue to work with landowners and local communities to safeguard this remarkable amphibian for generations to come.