Nature Tripping Episode 22- Natterjack Toads

In this episode we visit Gronant and Talacre dunes with Mandy Cartwright from the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust to investigate the only Welsh population of Natterjack Toads, re-introduced after the Second World War. The shallow pools (scrapes) and sandy burrows provide a perfect habitat, but development pressures, predation, human activity and climate change mean life for these small, yellow-striped amphibians is precarious.  How exactly do Natterjack Toads live, and what are landowners and conservationists doing to ensure they keep croaking long into the night?

With thanks also to Yvette Martin (ARC) and Darren Mason (National Trust).

A Natterjack Toad. Image by Mandy Cartwright, ARC

A male Natterjack Toad calls using his vocal sack. Image by Chris Dresh, ARC