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| The marsh frog (Rana
ridibunda) can be seen all year round but is rare and
limited to the Kent and East Sussex areas. It can be
identified by its colourings of green and brown with
black markings and a strip of green/yellow going down
its back. Often found in streams, ponds and lakes. |
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| The pool frog (Rana
lessonae) became extinct in the UK in the 1990's as a
result of their ponds being drained or becoming
overgrown. 70 frogs from Sweden were reintroduced to a
location in Norfolk recently. The colouring of the frog
is olive green with brown markings and a yellow strip
down the back. |
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| The
great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) can be found in
many parts of England, Wales and southern Scotland and
can grow to 17cms in length. It is illegal to handle
these newts as they are a protected species. If they are
found to be in any danger then it is important to
contact the correct authorities who are able to move
them to safety. They can be seen from February to
October, they will then hibernate on dry land through
the winter. The colouring of these newts is what gives
them their name. A large crest can be seen on the male's
back during spring and they have an orange belly.
Predators resist from eating them as they release an
irritant from their skin and are quite foul
tasting. |
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| Palmate newts (Triturus
helveticus) are found in England, Scotland and Wales
usually in or near streams and ponds. They hibernate on
dry land from October to march. They can grow to 9cms in
length. Identified by the male's webbed back feet and
slight extension to the tail. |
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| Smooth newts (Triturus
vulgaris) are widely spread throughout the UK. They can
grow to 9cms in length and are sometimes confused with
the palmate newts. Smooth newts have spotted throats and
have orange bellies in the summer however there are
albino versions that are very pale coloured. Smooth
newts walk very slowly and are quite small. They head
for their breeding ponds once out of hibernation and
this causes a few problems for them. |
| They may need to
cross roads or tackle kerbs and pavements to get there,
many get run over or fall down drains before reaching
their destination. It is okay for these newts to be
removed from danger by a member of the public as long as
they are placed in a suitable spot. |
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| The
common toad (Bufo bufo) can be seen all year round in
England, Scotland and Wales. The females are generally
longer than the males by approx 25mm. This toad will
camouflage its skin colouring to the soil as to blend
in. It is our largest amphibian. Easily spotted in the
spring when they begin to walk back to the pond in which
they were born. They tend to hunt their prey at night
and rest motionless in a hiding place through the day.
The skin of these toads will burn the mouth of any
predator that tries to eat them. |
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| The natterjack toad (Bufo
calamita) is quite rare in the UK with only certain
areas having them. They can grown to approx 70 mms in
length. This toad has a yellow line down its back and is
often seen moving quite fast. Decline of this species is
due to many factors. Their natural habitat is being
destroyed or contaminated. The natterjack is also
extremely fussy in choosing where it will spawn. They
require a certain pH balance in a shallow pool with no
predators or vegetation, areas that are becoming
increasingly difficult to find. Because of this it is
illegal to disturb natterjack toads in any way. If you
find some in your garden or local rural area it is best
to inform the correct authorities who can ensure that no
work will commence whilst they are there. |
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| It
is not just the amphibians in this country that
are feeling the wrath of human intervention. Many
of the amphibians worldwide are now in
decline. Amphibian populations have been
dramatically decreasing in substantial numbers for
the last two decades. Factors such as destruction
to their habitats, pollution, climate change and
predator introduction all play a part in this. The
hole in the ozone layer, which seems to have no
direct effect on humans, could be damaging
amphibians' skin, eyes and eggs because of the UV
rays. Discussions relating to the declines though
are still ongoing. Evolutionarily Distinct and
Globally Endangered (EDGE) are commencing an
awareness and fundraising initiative in the hope
of gaining conservation for these creatures. ''The
EDGE amphibians are amongst the most remarkable
and unusual species on the planet and yet an
alarming 85% of the top 100 are receiving little
or no conservation attention and will become
extinct if action is not taken now.” Helen
Meredith, EDGE Amphibians coordinator, commented.
“These animals may not be cute and cuddly, but
hopefully their weird looks and bizarre behaviours
will inspire people to support their conservation”. |
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