Citizen science: natterjack toad edition

The natterjack toad needs your help!

A vital part of the work we’re doing to support our ‘species on the edge’ is collecting data. The more we know about our priority species – where they are, how many there are, how many are breeding etc – the more informed, more targeted and more effective our conservation action can be.

However, there is just too many miles of shoreline to leave this task of collecting data to the professionals. So, we’re asking the public to help! Don your citizen science caps and help us help our ‘species on the edge’!

There’s many different ways of getting involved; whether you’re an amphibian amateur or could teach on toads, there’s a citizen science opportunity for you. Explore below, or get in touch for help with finding the opportunity for you: sote@nature.scot

Help the natterjack toad

The natterjack toad is Scotland’s rarest amphibian and can only be found on the Solway coast. It has an iconic rasping call that can be heard up to a kilometre away! Sadly, the natterjack is at threat, impacted by the loss of its coastal habitat due to changes in land use and management practices, drought and sea level rise as a result of climate change. If you’re based on the Solway coast, you can play a part in making sure that Scotland can remain a home for this iconic toad by recording when you hear the natterjack on a one-off basis, or signing up to survey the toad more regularly.

One-off records

If you hear or have heard the natterjack toad, please record your observation by emailing the Species on the Edge Solway Coast team: sote@arc-trust.org. Please include the date of the observation, time and location of where the toad was heard, and if possible an audio recording.

Here’s what their call sounds like:

Targeted surveys for natterjack toads

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation coordinates the national recovery programme for the natterjack toad in the UK. The programme aims to identify changes in population and distribution of natterjack toads across their current range.

Field surveys for natterjack toads run from April until the end of August; during this time landowners and volunteers carry out daytime checks of their natterjack pond. Surveys are scheduled every 7 -10 days and participants are asked to record all amphibians and life stages present e.g. adults, spawn, tadpoles, toadlets and juvenile toads. Spawn and toadlet counts are used to produce a metric for breeding events and breeding success. Landowners and volunteers can also participate in nocturnal surveys, carrying out peak adult counts, surveys for calling males and population structure assessments.

If you live in an area with natterjack toads and would like to help with targeted monitoring or if you would like to receive emails letting you know when volunteering opportunities become available, please contact ARC’s Amphibian Conservation Officer, Jack Harper via jack.harper@arc-trust.org