The team carefully collected and counted the toads and frogs, including mating pairs, from along a security fence line. They were then safely released onto the other side of the fence to continue their migration to their breeding grounds, and so are now able to spawn the next generation.  

During breeding season frogs and toads naturally try to migrate back to the bodies of water where they originally spawned so they can mate and lay eggs. Unfortunately, manmade structures like roads and fences can provide difficult obstacles for wildlife to cross over, especially as they grow into larger adults and are unable to slip back through the holes they first came through. It is estimated that a staggering 20 tonnes of toads are killed on UK roads every year.

Frogs are both predators and prey, which makes them an important part of the food chain. They provide a vital source of food for several species, as well as helping to control populations of others. They are also considered an indicator species as they are very sensitive to changes in their environment (both aquatic and terrestrial) and their permeable skin makes them especially vulnerable to pollutants. Monitoring populations of indicator species can be an important way to pick up on early warning signs of environmental changes or damage to natural habitats and ecosystems.

There are only four native species of frog in the UK of which two are toads. Toads are a type of frog but they have shorter legs, broader noses and drier (and bumpier) skin, which allows them to survive for longer in dry conditions compared to most other frogs. Toads also produce bufotoxin via their skin to defend themselves from predators. Unfortunately, toad populations in the UK have been steadily declining due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Because of this they are listed as a biodiversity priority species under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006).

Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve is owned by NATS and managed in partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Several amphibians call the reserve home, including three species of newt. They provide a vital source of food for other wildlife including herons, grass snakes and badgers, plus dragonflies and damselflies.

For more information about the toads and frogs we have in the UK visit here.

Written by Gemma Paul - Centre Assistant - Swanwick Lakes