10 Amphibians That Need Protection in the UK

Our damp and mild climate makes the UK a perfect home for many amphibians. These fascinating creatures live both on land and in water, and they’re a crucial part of our natural world. Sadly, many of our native amphibians face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. By learning about these amazing animals, we can better understand why they need our help. Here are ten amphibians found in the UK that could use a helping hand to ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.

Great Crested Newt

This impressive newt is easily recognised by its warty skin and orange belly with black spots. It’s one of our largest newts, growing up to 17cm long. Great crested newts are protected by law, but they still face threats from pond loss and habitat fragmentation. They rely on a network of ponds for breeding, so creating and maintaining suitable water bodies can greatly aid their conservation.

Natterjack Toad

The natterjack toad is known for its loud mating call, which can be heard up to a mile away! These toads are found mainly in coastal areas and are excellent runners. They’re under threat due to loss of breeding ponds and changes to their sandy habitats. Natterjacks have a distinctive yellow stripe down their back, making them easy to identify if you’re lucky enough to spot one.

Common Frog

Despite its name, the common frog isn’t as common as it used to be. These agile amphibians can breathe through their skin and are often found in garden ponds. They face challenges from garden chemicals, loss of wetlands, and a deadly fungal disease. Common frogs can change colour to match their surroundings, ranging from green to brown or even red.

Palmate Newt

The palmate newt is our smallest newt species, rarely growing longer than 9cm. Males develop webbed back feet during breeding season, which look a bit like paddles. These tiny newts are struggling due to loss of ponds and the introduction of fish that eat their eggs and larvae. Palmate newts can be distinguished from smooth newts by their unspotted throats and the dark line running through their eyes.

Common Toad

Common toads have dry, bumpy skin and move with more of a crawl than a hop. They’re known for their mass migrations to breeding ponds in spring. Sadly, many toads are killed on roads during these journeys, and their breeding sites are disappearing. Toads secrete a mild toxin from glands behind their eyes, which deters many predators from eating them.

Smooth Newt

Also known as the common newt, this species has a pale orange belly with small black spots. Smooth newts spend much of their time on land, hiding under logs and stones. They’re threatened by habitat loss and the use of pesticides that harm their food sources. During the breeding season, male smooth newts develop a wavy crest along their back and tail, which they use to attract females.

Pool Frog

The pool frog was thought to be extinct in the UK, but has been reintroduced in some areas. These frogs have a distinctive croak that sounds a bit like a duck quacking. They need our help to establish new populations and protect their wetland homes. Pool frogs are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Alpine Newt

Though not native to the UK, alpine newts have established populations here after being released from garden ponds. They have striking blue colouring on their sides and belly. While they’re not under immediate threat, it’s important to monitor their impact on native species. Alpine newts can live up to 20 years in the wild, making them one of the longest-lived amphibians in the UK.

Marsh Frog

Another introduced species, the marsh frog is our largest frog. They have a loud, laughing call and can jump impressively far. These frogs need protection of their wetland habitats to thrive, which also benefits our native amphibians. Marsh frogs are voracious eaters and will consume almost anything they can fit in their mouths, including smaller frogs and even small birds.

Adder’s-tongue Spearfoot Toad

The adder’s-tongue spearfoot toad, also known as the spadefoot toad, is a rare and unusual amphibian found in parts of southern England. These toads have vertical pupils like a cat’s eye and a distinctive spade-like projection on their hind feet, which they use for burrowing. They’re threatened by habitat loss, particularly the destruction of their sandy, well-drained soil habitats. Spadefoot toads can remain dormant underground for years during dry periods, emerging to breed when conditions are right.

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