22 March 2012
The Toadwatch Campaign is making its annual call for the public to be vigilant as the breeding season for the Island’s not-so Common Toad (Bufo bufo) begins.
Over the next few months, the campaign is asking members of the public to send in records and reports of toad, tadpole and toad spawn sightings in and around their gardens and ponds.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the States of Jersey Department of the Environment and the Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) have collaborated for a number of years towards the conservation of Jersey’s only toad. The Toadwatch Campaign has been running for the past 7 years and Islanders’ records have helped build an accurate picture of where the toads are breeding. The campaign has also been identifying those ponds that no longer contain any signs of toads. Toadwatch coordinator Wendy Van Neste said “By studying ponds over a period of time, vital information can be gained on the distribution and movement of amphibians in Jersey.”
Any information about toad sightings, ponds with toads or ponds that were previously used as spawning sites but have now become dormant, can be emailed to Toadwatch or left as a detailed message on the Toadwatch line 860053.
Toadwatch are also encouraging the public to create more ‘toad-friendly areas’ by planting native plants and installing ponds in their gardens. This can make a real difference to the future of Jersey’s toads. Information on building wildlife ponds is available from Toadwatch or on the Durrell website.
Email Toadwatch
gov.je