Rare Natterjack Toad Breeds in Hampshire for First Time in 50 Years

The natterjack toad, the UK’s loudest amphibian, has returned to breed in Hampshire’s South Downs National Park for the first time in half a century, following a successful conservation project.

Twenty-eight toadlets were recently counted at Blackmoor, marking a significant milestone for the reintroduction programme launched in 2021. Known for its distinctive rasping call, audible up to a mile away, the species had previously only been recorded at one site in the park—Woolmer Forest. In neighbouring Sussex, the species is considered locally extinct.

Led by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) charity, the initiative created shallow ponds and restored heathland to support the toads’ return. Cattle grazing was also introduced to maintain ideal habitat conditions.

Jack Harper from ARC said: “We are delighted that everyone’s hard work is beginning to pay off and that the future of this fascinating species is looking brighter in the region.

“This is a great first step to recovering the species within the national park and a good blueprint for future reintroduction efforts.”

Olivia French, heathlands project team leader for the park, said it was a “wonderful success story for nature recovery” that shows “wildlife can thrive if given half a chance”.

French added that the outlook for the species is now far more hopeful, with breeding populations confirmed at both Woolmer and Blackmoor.

“This area is the last heathland bastion for this iconic species and extending their habitat range is a big step forward in stopping the species becoming locally extinct,” she added.

Once widespread, natterjack toads have declined dramatically, with 75% of UK breeding sites lost over the past century. Today, they are mainly restricted to coastal dunes and grazing marshes in north-west England and the Solway Firth region of Scotland.

She added: “They are one of the most at-risk species from climate change because of rising sea levels, so this makes the comeback in Hampshire all the more significant.”

 

 

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