European Toad
Scientific Name: Bufo bufo
Category: reptile
Brief Description
A robust amphibian found partially camouflaged near a burrow or grassy patch on a hill.
Characteristics
Warty, dry skin, typically brownish or greyish in color, with prominent parotoid glands behind the eyes.
Habitat
Terrestrial habitats including woodlands, grasslands, gardens, and hillsides, often near water bodies for breeding.
When to Find It
Most active during spring and summer; nocturnal or crepuscular, often sheltering in burrows or under logs during the day.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Ecological Role
Acts as both predator and prey in the food web, helping to control insect and slug populations.
Easily Confused With
Natterjack toad, distinguished by the yellow stripe on its back and shorter hops.
Observation Tips
Look near damp areas, under logs, or around holes and burrows at dusk or night using a flashlight.
Interesting Facts
Common toads can live up to 10-12 years in the wild and use the same breeding sites generation after generation.
User Notes
on a hill