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, 25 May
Two weekends ago, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council attended
Dublin Zoo’s Native Species weekend.
The aim of the weekend was to promote the diversity of native
biodiversity in Ireland, and the many actions being taken by national
and local environmental groups and government agencies to help protect
their populations.
One group that also attended was Fota Wildlife Park, who were sharing
their conservation work trying to reverse the decline in populations of
Irelands only toad, the natterjack toad (cnádan as Gaeilge).
Natterjack toads are restricted to Co. Kerry, however a population has
been moved to Wexford to ensure their genetic survival should anything
happen the population in Kerry.
The natterjack toad is a relatively small species, with adults
typically ranging from 6 to 9 centimeters in length. It has a
yellowish-brown to olive- green coloration with a warty skin.
One of its distinguishing features is a yellow stripe down the middle
of its back, which becomes more prominent during the breeding season.
They live in coastal areas preferring open sandy areas with shallow
pools or pond where they can breed. They are known for their
distinctive loud mating calls, which resemble a rasping or "nattering"
sound.
Breeding typically occurs between April and July, and the males gather
in shallow water bodies, such as temporary pools or flooded areas, to
call and attract females.
From survey work it was identified that the natterjack toad endures
natural mortality rates as high as 90%, with large numbers of eggs and
tadpoles typically lost every summer due to predators and ponds drying
out.
Weather conditions play a part in the challenges the toads face, with
dry springs and summers meaning that spawning in the wild can become
limited.
Captive rearing decreases the mortality rate, in an effort to boost
numbers reaching adulthood in the wild and this is how Fota Wildlife
Park are involved.
To learn more about the natterjack toad and the head starter project in
Fota Wildlife Park visit www.fotawildlife.ie.
If you would like help identifying a wildlife observation in your
community you can contact me on bogs@ipcc.ie.
- Nuala Madigan from the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore