description Common Toad Overview
The Common Toad (Bufo bufo) is a widespread amphibian species distributed throughout Europe, parts of northern Africa, and extending into Asia as far as Japan. Adults typically measure 5-15 centimeters in length, with females generally larger than males, and feature warty skin in shades of brown, olive, or grey. The species is renowned for its annual breeding migrations, during which large numbers of toads travel distances of up to 2 kilometers to return to ancestral ponds, often crossing roads and prompting volunteer rescue operations in many European countries. After breeding, adults are primarily terrestrial and nocturnal, feeding on invertebrates including insects, slugs, and worms.
insights Ranking position
Common Toad ranks #95 of 213 in the Amphibian ranking, behind European Common Frog, ahead of Amazonian Poison Frog.
help Common Toad FAQ
How far do Common Toads migrate to breed?
The Common Toad is famous for its annual mass migrations to ancestral breeding ponds each spring. Some individual toads are known to travel over a kilometer to reach these specific water sources.
What is the scientific name of the Common Toad?
The scientific name for this widespread amphibian is Bufo bufo. It has a massive geographic range that spans across Europe and parts of Asia.
How do you tell the difference between a Common Toad and a Common Frog?
Common Toads have rough, bumpy, dry skin and tend to walk or crawl rather than leap. Common Frogs have smooth, moist skin and longer legs built for continuous jumping.
Why do toads cross roads in large numbers during the spring?
Thousands of toads are killed by cars each year during their mass spring migrations back to their ancestral ponds. To help, local conservation groups often organize 'toad patrols' to physically carry the amphibians across busy roads.
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