Season

The main phase of activity for toads is mid-March to mid-April, mostly on nights when the ground temperature is above 8°C. There will usually be a few ‘peak’ nights and these are often predictable – i.e. when the temperature rises for 2-3 consecutive nights and, especially, if there is light, warm rain. The toads usually start moving at dusk and in order for them to travel far, the air temperature must remain above 5°C. On many toad patrols, the activity reduces markedly an hour or so after dusk, in line with the dipping temperature. However, on warm, wet nights, toads may continue to move all through the night (which does not necessarily mean that toad patrollers need to follow their example).

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Newts are active over a similar time period to the toads; frogs are likely to be active earlier, from mid-February. Both frogs and newts can be taken to the same safe places as the toads, and transported in the same buckets for short periods. It is best not to have a bucket containing several layers of amphibians, so try to release them regularly; however, on very busy nights, this may be unavoidable for short periods.

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Equipment/Health & Safety

At most sites, toading should begin at dusk. Toaders will need a bucket, a torch and preferably gloves and high visibility clothing. The main health and safety issue concerns traffic and, at some sites, it is much safer to work in pairs or small groups. Dog fouling and slippery surfaces can also be issues so please be careful. The water-borne Weil’s disease has been mentioned in relation to handling amphibians, though this is thought to represent a very low risk; however, please wear gloves and/or clean hands thoroughly whilst also being sensitive to the extremely permeable nature of amphibian skin (More Health & Safety information)

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Protocol

A toad patrol normally involves walking an established circuit through an area where toads and other amphibians are known to be migrating. Any amphibian found on a road is scooped up and placed into a bucket and eventually taken to its likely destination – the breeding pond. Of course, it is not always possible to know where a toad is heading, and if you are unsure and do not wish to interfere with a toad’s evening plans, it is sufficient to move the toad out of immediate danger – so, for example, placing over a wall away from the road. Towards the end of the season, different toads may be heading in opposite directions, with early breeders leaving the pond whilst late-comers have not yet arrived. During this time, many toads will not thank you for taking them back to where they have come from, so, if in doubt, simply move out of harm’s way.

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The best way to pick up a toad is to scoop it from the sides. Frogs are more likely to leap forwards, so a hand in front to befuddle them is advisable. Super-delicate newts must be very gently picked up by the base of the tail.

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Wherever possible, we try to keep records of amphibian numbers; a generic record sheet is available. Please note, however, that record keeping is far less important than actually reducing toad mortality. Sometimes there are too many toads on a dangerous stretch of road and saving their lives is the priority. Note though, that it is often possible to log numbers during release rather than during collection.

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Casualties

It has been shown that many deaths take place on stretches of road where streams flow underneath, indicating that migration routes often follow existing water courses. The amphibians may also be benefitting from elevated temperatures on road surfaces and, often, the road may simply be the most direct route. Studies in the Netherlands suggest an average traffic-caused mortality rate of 30%. In Todmorden, in recent years, thanks to dedicated toad patrols, we have reduced the mortality rate to below 15% (just 11% in 2018).

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If you find injured but still alive amphibians, it is recommended that you carefully take them to their pond or to another known safe place. Amphibians have a remarkable capacity to regenerate and they are sometimes able to survive even severe injuries.