Clawed Toad
Identification: A distinctive flattened toad with a very smooth skin. Length up to 12 cm. Eyes on top of the head, small forelimbs. No external ear, no tongue. Very fully webbed feet, with claws on the toes. Colour on back olive to brown with greenish blotches. Belly whitish. No vocal sac.
Range: Originates from southern Africa. In the British Isles, the Clawed Toad has been imported in very large numbers mainly for biomedical research. Though some deliberate introductions have occurred, it is also likely that other individuals have escaped from research facilities. Due to the extremely secretive nature of this toad, it is possible that a number of undiscovered populations exist. Although there have been reports of adult toads being captured in southwest England, it is unknown whether breeding had occurred. The first feral colony was discovered in the Isle of Wight following deliberate releases in 1962, but it is now thought to be extinct. Two large and extensive populations were discovered in the south of Wales in 1979. One of these populations is still thriving in some pools, but its extent is thought to have declined since the 1980's.
Habitat: Plentiful in ponds and rivers in original range. Favours still water with a muddy bottom. Not well suited to the British climate, however some successful breeding has occurred.
Habits: Strictly aquatic, doesn't leave the water. Nocturnal. In its natural range, breeding starts in the rainy season; the females lay 300-1000 small eggs, which they attach to all kinds of objects under water. They mature after 1 to 2 years. They feed on small fish, insects and slugs. They can swim very fast. Studies have shown that the Welsh populations mostly predate freshwater crustaceans, though fears exist that this large toad may also feed on the tadpoles of native species.
How to find: This toad usually stays under water and is nocturnal, so it is not easily seen.
Call: The males make a mating call of alternating long and short trills, by contracting the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Females also answer vocally, signalling either acceptance (a rapping sound) or rejection (slow ticking) of the male.