Wildlife of Britain

The Common Toad (Bufo bufo): Britain’s Nocturnal Amphibian in Decline The common toad is one of Britain’s most recognisable amphibians, though far less frequently seen than the common frog.  Thick-bodied, copper-eyed, and covered in dry warty skin, Bufo bufo is built for life on land rather than water.  Common Toad (Bufo bufo) Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Amphibia Order: Anura Family: Bufonidae Genus: Bufo Species: Bufo bufo Binomial name: Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) Habitat Terrestrial habitats • Woodland, Hedgerows, Meadows, Gardens, Farmland margins, Damp grassland Breeding habitats • Ponds, Lakes, Slow-moving water bodies, Flooded quarries Behaviour Primarily nocturnal Solitary outside breeding season While frogs spend much of their time near ponds, toads are primarily terrestrial, inhabiting woodland edges, hedgerows, gardens, meadows, and damp rural landscapes where they emerge after dark to hunt. Adult toads feed on slugs, beetles, spiders, caterpil...