Scotland's only natterjack toads 'teetering on the brink'

A plea has been made to the public to help safeguard Scotland's only natterjack toad colonies along the Solway Coast by listening out for their distinctive call.

The UK's loudest amphibian is also the rarest in the country and a group of nature charities is working together to fight for its survival.

As part of their work, wildlife charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), is asking residents to listen, note and - if possible - record their calls.

It said the information would help them understand how the population was faring in the area and make a "real difference" to the future of the species.

Male natterjacks call to attract a mate during the breeding season, which usually starts in April and can run until July.

Their loud, rasping call can be heard up to one kilometre (1,090 yards) away.

The toads are most active on warm evenings following periods of heavy rain.

Natterjacks can only be found at a handful of locations in Scotland, all of them on the Solway Coast, including the RSPB's Mersehead Reserve near Southerness.

Numbers have declined dramatically in recent years largely due to habitat loss caused by sea level rise, coastal erosion, agricultural intensification, urban expansion and commercial forestry.

Their breeding habitat is particularly susceptible to extreme weather events such as prolonged periods of drought or severe winter storms, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Action is being taken to try to boost their numbers through the Species on the Edge programme - a partnership between NatureScot and seven conservation charities.

Species on the Edge project officer for the area, Liam Templeton, said: "The natterjack toad is truly a 'species on the edge' - in more than one sense.

"Here in Scotland the natterjack is at the very edge its range; the Solway Coast is the most northerly place on earth you'll find it.

"And with its coastal habitat now being at almost constant risk, whether from storms, droughts, or sea level rise, its future in Scotland is teetering on the brink."

He said that to ensure its survival it was vital to know how it was faring and urged people in the area to lend a hand.

Anyone who hears a toad should let ARC know by sending the date, time and location and, if possible, an audio recording to sote@arc-trust.org.