My current research on the European toad (Bufo bufo)

on the island of Jersey.

I am currently working on a 3-year research project on the Ecology and Conservation of the European Toad on Jersey. Toad populations have been recorded as declining on the island for some years.

It is thanks to funding from the Jersey Ecology Fund and support from the Jersey Environment Division and Durrell Wildlife that measures are being taken to protect populations of Jersey toads (crapauds!) for future generations.

In January 2005, fieldwork began by studying well-known Jersey toad populations and comparing them with more-recently established breeding sites in garden ponds (toads usually prefer larger bodies of water for breeding). Perhaps ponds in private gardens will offer a long-term solution for the survival of toads in Jersey?

TOADWATCH LATEST……

Almost 200 garden-pond breeding sites identified in 2005-2006! During 2006, I have obtained more population data and been radiotracking toads after the breeding season to find out what habitats they prefer… It looks as if they like to stay near their breeding ponds (some are in the wild heathlands of the northwest of the island) and that they are adapted to this kind of habitat – another difference from “usual” toads!

JERSEY RESIDENTS WITH SIGHTINGS OF BREEDING TOADS: Call the TOADWATCH HOTLINE at Durrell Wildlife on 860053! UNFORTUNATELY, WE CANNOT RESPOND TO REQUESTS TO REMOVE EXCESS SPAWN. THE CRAPAUD (TOAD) AND ITS SPAWN ARE FULLY PROTECTED UNDER JERSEY LAW BECAUSE OF THE THREATS TO ITS EXISTENCE ON THE ISLAND.

This page will be updated as often as time allows with the latest information and (eventually) opportunities to donate to this research project. In the meantime, if you have specific questions, please e-mail John: phycodurusuk@yahoo.co.uk

Copyright notice: All photos on these pages are COPYRIGHT JOHN WILKINSON. If you wish to use any of these photos for publication, whether in print or in a web page, please contact me. The fee for using any of these photos in a publication or a website without prior arrangement is £250 (= US$ 400) per photo. Unauthorised usage of any photos from these pages constitutes agreement to these terms.