The Natterjack Toad

Natterjack Toad

Natterjack Toad

Natterjack Toad

Natterjack Toad

Latin: Bufo calamita

Irish: Cnádán

The Natterjack is the only toad species in Ireland and is easily recognized by the yellow stripe that runs down its back. This stripe is part of its camouflage, being a replica of the sand sedge which is a common plant in this toad's habitat.

Natterjack toads can be found in south county Kerry and on the North Sloblands in Wexford, where they have been re-located to reduce the risk of them becoming extinct in Ireland. The Natterjack toad will not appear until the end of April. Like other toads, it has a warty skin and another interesting feature is that it runs rather than hops.

In the spring, when the male is most active, the loud croaking call

Natterjack Toad- Audio

Audio clip of Natterjack Toad

can be heard from as much as one kilometer away. Toad spawn is laid in distinctive strings in ponds found in dune slacks, one of their preferred habitats and plentiful in the north slob area.

The Natterjack toad was first recorded in Ireland in 1805. It is not known whether it is a native to the island but as there are no legends or myths associated with the Natterjack in Ireland and this would support the theory that the animal is a fairly recent introduction.

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