This selection of Irish animals, native or introduced, is taken from the Appletree Press title Animals of Ireland. There will be a number of extracts from the book in coming months. The book contains highly detailed full colour illustrations to complement the detailed explanatory text.

Natterjack Toad
Bufo calamita
Cnádán

The Natterjack has been regarded as a remnant from the end of the Ice Age or, perhaps more likely, a relatively recent introduction. Its few colonies are confined to dune ‘slacks’ (marshy ponds in sandy places near the sea) in County Kerry. In the sanctuary of these habitats the toads emerge from hibernation, and croaking noisily at dusk, carry out their reproductive cycle which is similar to that of the frog. The spawn lies in the water in strings rather than in massive globules. The toad tadpoles take a month or more to develop into little toads and take four or five years to grow into adults capable of reproduction.

Natterjack toads look like smallish dark frogs with shorter, unwebbed hindfeet. They are generally dull greenish in colour with a clearly defined yellow line down the middle of the back from the head. The skin has an irregular surface of lumps and bumps and, being mucus covered, may look quite shiny. The large eyes protrude from the head like those of the frog. Unlike the frog the toad does not hop but scurries on all fours along the ground. In places where it is common it may be seen occasionally in the open in daylight but is much more active at night.

Other Frogs, Amphibians or Reptiles from Animals of Ireland include:
Common Frog |
Common Newt |
Viviparous Lizard |