Amphibians

Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita)

Considered to be extinct from all recorded historical sites in Kent, the Natterjack has recently been reintroduced into the county. An animal of coastal dunes and lowland heaths the natterjack is a compulsive burrower.

They dig tunnels in sand at night and can disappear from sight in just a few minutes. In the past 100 years natterjack toads have vanished from more than 75% of sites where they were previously recorded. In particular the heathlands of southern and eastern England have been affected.

Superficially similar in appearance to the much more widespread common toad, the most obvious distinguishing feature of the natterjack is a narrow yellow stripe running down the animals entire back.