Road Safety Tips for Toads

Published on 04-02-2008 by Dr Paul Beckett

Phlorum has been asked to look into ways of protecting common toads as they migrate to spawn. The toads are part of Britain’s third largest colony, and every year, in early spring, hundreds emerge from hibernation to make the hazardous journey along the lanes of Croyde in North Devon to spawn in local ponds.
Local conservation groups fear that the likelihood of a dramatic increase in the number of cars using the narrow lane which forms part of the toads’ migration route poses a grave threat to the amphibians. More cars, it is feared, will lead to fewer toads surviving the migration.
Common toads are no longer so common and have been added to the National Biodiversity Action Plan species list in an attempt to increase their protection and reverse the worrying population decline. Phlorum hopes to be able to offer advice that will protect these threatened amphibians and help them to reach their ponds to spawn in safety.