Amphibians

There are seven British species of amphibians. These are: common frog, pool frog, common toad,natterjack toad, great crested newt, palmate newt and smooth newt. The main threats to amphibians are habitat loss, especially infilling of ponds, unsympathetic habitat management and fragmentation of habitat.

All amphibians undergo two main stages in their life cycle; an aquatic larval stage followed by a terrestrial immature and adult stage. Adults then return to the water to breed. Breeding occurs in spring in many different types of waterbodies from shallow, temporary pools to lakes, ditches and balancing ponds. Juveniles move onto land from summer, foraging in habitats such as, scrub, woodland, hedgerows and rough grassland. They disperse from the breeding area and usually return 2-3 years later to breed at the same site. For this reason, surveys can only be conducted during the breeding season when the adults are present in water.

Amphibians are mostly nocturnal and during daylight often hide under rocks and logs. They hibernate in similar places during winter.

Legal Protection and UK BAP Status

• The Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994
• The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended (WCA)
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW)

Great crested newt and natterjack toad are fully protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats & c.) Regulations 1994 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. The other five species receive protection from sale and injury under WCA. The great crested newt, natterjack and pool frog are priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. These species are also considered to be Species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in England under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Additionally, the great crested newt is included on Annex II of the European Community Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora, referred to as the Habitats Directive.

Greenprint Ecology services related to amphibians

  • Full amphibian surveys at potential sites to ascertain presence/absence by Natural England Great Crested Newt licence holder;
  • Monitoring surveys;
  • Where appropriate, mitigation work including translocation, receptor site selection and habitat management and new pond creation;
  • Habitat management and improvements;
  • Advice concerning all aspects of amphibian presence.

Crested Newt

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