The Natterjack Toad The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is one of Britain’s rarest amphibians and a distinctive member of the toad family. Smaller and more lightly built than the common toad, it is best known for the bright yellow stripe running down the centre of its back and also for its rasping, far-carrying call of the males during the breeding season. In the UK, the species has a restricted distribution and is the focus of significant conservation efforts. Identification and Physical Characteristics Adult natterjack toads typically measure 6–7 centimetres in length, making them noticeably smaller than the common toad. Their skin is warty and olive or greyish-green, often patterned with darker blotches. But the most reliable field mark is the narrow yellow line that runs along the spine (although this stripe can sometimes be faint). Another distinctive feature the natterjack has is its relatively short hind legs. As a result, it does not hop in long leap...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife