Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita) is Ireland's only toad species and, along with the common frog and the smooth newt, is one of only three amphibian species found in this country.
Throughout their range Natterjacks favour open habitat with shallow pools and sandy soil. Low vegetation provides a perfect foraging ground for these toads and sandy soil is relatively easy for them to burrow into. Shallow pools are preferred as they tend to warm up quickly during the day, which helps speed up tadpole development, and often dry out completely in the height of summer, which means that they support few of the tadpoles' invertebrate predators. Typical natterjack habitats in Ireland are coastal dune systems, lowland heath-bog and moist, sandy fields near the sea.
The Natterjack Toad is an endangered species.
Natterjack toads are protected under Irish and European law, and it is an offence to kill, injure