Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Widespread throughout much of mainland Britain, common toads are preferentially found in large, deep ponds that are suitable for breeding but may also be found in reservoirs. Deep ponds provide a safe refuge for tadpoles to avoid predation.

Individuals have olive-brown, warty skin, with copped eyes and short back legs; females are often have more reddish colouration. Toads will hibernate over winter, as with many other amphibian species, typically under log piles and stones. They migrate back to their breeding ponds on the first warm, damp evenings of the year in mid-February. After breeding in Spring, the rest of the year is spent feeding in woodland, gardens and hedgerows. Common toads feed on slugs, snails and other invertebrates, but larger toads may also eat grass snakes or harvest mice.

Declining in southern Britain due to freshwater pond habitats being threatened. In 2011, common toads were first recorded in Ireland at Long Lough, County Donegal.  There is now thought to be a breeding population. 

• Avoid stepping into the pond – this can stir up sediment, throwing up sediment DNA and any inhibitory molecules present. Sediment may clog the filter and prevent sufficient volumes of water being filtered.
• As a biosecurity measure to reduce the spread of amphibian diseases, it is important to not reuse any equipment from the kits for different samples to avoid potential contamination between ponds. Please also adhere to other key biosecurity measures when taking samples.