Natterjack Toad
(Bufo calamita)
Description A rare and endangered toad which only occurs now on sand dune systems with small shallow ponds for breeding. It is a small (up to 8cm), spotty toad with a characteristic yellow stripe down its back. Both sexes are similar.
Natterjacks have a weak croak and on land tend to scuttle like mice. They feed on invertebrates.
Status Broad Oak Nature Reserve Does not occur here. Britain Restricted to sandy coastal areas on the south coast and Merseyside, although new colonies were discovered on the Scottish coast in 1998. Historical records show it did once occur in parts of Kent World North-western Europe only.