Frogs and Toads

Common Frog

Common frogs (Rana temporaria) are thought to be a widespread species in Scotland, and can even be found at high elevations including mountains. They are also widespread on many of the islands, including Orkney and Shetland. 

They inhabit a wide range of habitats including gardens, parks, farmland, lowland mosses and upland areas.

You can hear male common frogs calling at night during the spring breeding season, Males will grab onto females around their waist with fleshy patches on their thumbs known as ‘nuptial pads’. This is known as amplexus.

Common frogs will eat a wide variety of invertebrates such as worms, flies and moths, and slugs and snails.

Common Toad

Common toads (Bufo bufo) are thought to be a widespread species across Scotland, including several of the islands such as Orkney, Mull, Skye, and Arran. They have also been introduced to several other islands.

They can be found in a wide range of habitats such as garden ponds, agricultural land, forest clearings, and upland moors.

Males can be heard calling during the breeding season, with multiple males attempting to mate with each female forming ‘mating balls’.

Common toads and their larvae are unpalatable to most predators due to toxins found in their skin.

Their diet consists of a wide range of invertebrates, such as beetles, spiders, springtails, and millipedes.

Natterjack Toad

Restricted to a few sites on the Solway Coast in Dumfries and Galloway, the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is Scotland's rarest amphibian. These sites in Scotland are the most northernly part of its range in the UK.

Natterjack toads can be distinguished from common toads by a yellow stripe down the back. Common toad tadpoles are also all black, whereas natterjack toad tadpoles have a white spot on their chin.

The natterjack toad is a very active species, adapted to life on open sandy heaths and coastal grasslands where it hunts at night by running after prey rather than sitting in ambush and jumping like frogs and common toads.

Unlike other British amphibians, it can dig its own burrow in the sand to avoid the heat of the day. As it can be found on the coast, this species is also adapted to tolerate more saline environments compared to common frogs and toads.

They can be heard calling during the breeding season, with their call being likened to a rasping ‘fishing reel’ noise. This call can be heard up to 1km away.

Threats to Natterjack Toads

As natterjack toads are only found in one small area of Scotland, it is important to preserve the habitat they have.

In 1976, a survey at Caerlaverock Merse counted approximately 2000 adults. However, since 2006 no Scottish population surveyed has produced even 100 individuals.

Threats to natterjack toads include:

• Loss and fragmentation of habitat through development works and coastal erosion
• Poor land management
• Climate change
• Disease
• Introduction of non-native species

Protection of natterjack toads

The natterjack toad is a European protected species.

Find out about protected species of amphibian and reptile.

Learn about licensing for great crested newts and natterjack toads.

Report a sighting

You should report any sighting of an amphibian or reptile to the Record Pool.

Alternatively, find out about taking part in the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme.

Find out more

Read our guidance for planners and developers on protected animals.