Amphibians

Here is a list of amphibians found in the UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), including native and established non-native species.

Native Frogs & Toads

1) Common frog

The most widespread UK amphibian

Found in gardens, ponds, woodlands, and grasslands

Spawns early spring (large clumps of frogspawn)

2) Common toad

Warty skin, copper eyes

Famous for mass spring migrations

Lays long strings of spawn

3) Natterjack toad

Rare and protected

Distinct yellow stripe down the back

Found mainly in coastal dunes and sandy heath (England)

Native Newts (Urodela)

4) Smooth newt

Also called the “common newt”

Males develop wavy crest in breeding season

Very widespread

5) Palmate newt

Smaller and more slender

Males have webbed hind feet and tail filament

Common in Wales and western Britain

6) Great crested newt

Largest UK newt

Warty skin and bright orange belly

Strictly protected species

Established Non-Native Amphibians

These are introduced species with local populations.

7) Marsh frog

Large green frog

Found mainly in southeast England

Introduced in the 20th century

8) Pool frog

Once native but extinct in UK

Reintroduced to Norfolk from Swedish stock

Rare and protected

9) Alpine newt

Bright orange belly

Established in some English garden ponds

10) Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex)

11) Edible frog (Pelophylax esculentus)

12) American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

13) Midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans)

Summary

Total amphibian species in the UK: 13

7 native species

6 established non-native species

Note: There are no native salamanders or tree frogs in the UK, and no caecilians.

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Wildlife of Britain

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