Welcome to the cool world of the Common Toad (Bufo bufo), a small amphibian that is loved by people in the United Kingdom. Today, we'll learn interesting things about the Common Toad, like how it acts, why it's important for nature, and what people are doing to help it stay in our neighbourhoods.
The Common Toad looks a bit bumpy and has a funny way of hopping. You might see it in the countryside in the UK. It's not like the frogs in fairy tales with crowns and wands, but it has a charm that makes people happy when they see it. The toads are good at hiding with their brown and olive colours they blend with their surroundings.
Toads are active at night when the sun goes down, they come out to start their adventures. You can hear them making croaky sounds, especially in the spring, when they are looking for love. It's like a concert that tells us spring is here, and it's time for baby toads that are called toadlets!
But the toad's story doesn't stop with the love songs. In the spring, the male toads have a funny competition to impress the females. They hop around, trying to catch a ride on the female's back. This bumpy journey ends in a water place where the female lays her eggs.
Even though toads are cute, they have some problems in the world today. They lose their homes because cities and farms are growing, and sometimes they get hurt by cars when they are moving around. But don't worry! People who care about nature are doing things to help the toads.
People in neighbourhoods are building special roads and tunnels just for toads to keep them safe from cars. They also watch over the toads, making sure they are okay and helping them have safe places.
Toads eat different things like bugs, slugs, and even small animals. They are like superheroes for gardens because they eat pests that can hurt plants. Toads are very clever when they catch their food. They sit and wait, then quickly use their long, sticky tongue to catch bugs and other tasty treats.
By Iric - Iric, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=852982
During spring, toads spend more time near water, eating bugs that live there. It's important to know that what toads eat can change depending on how old they are and where they live.
As we finish our toad adventure, remember that these little creatures are more than just bumpy and funny. They help nature stay balanced, and their playful actions bring happiness to those who see them. So, the next time you see a Common Toad during your evening walk, take a moment to enjoy nature – because behind those bumps and sticky tongues is a story of bravery, love, and making sure our world stays amazing.
Check your understanding
What are some features of the Common Toad's appearance?
When are toads most active?
Describe the funny competition that male toads have during the breeding season. What happens at the end of this bumpy journey?
What are some problems that Common Toads face in the world today, and what are people doing to help them, especially in neighbourhoods?
Explain why toads are considered superheroes for gardens. What do they eat, and how do they catch their food?
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Vocabulary
Amphibian: A cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives both in water and on land. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are examples.
Countryside: Rural or natural areas outside of towns or cities.
Charm: A quality or feature of something that is pleasing or attractive.
Croaky: Describing a rough or hoarse sound, like the sound made by frogs or toads.
Concert: In this context, it metaphorically refers to a collective and harmonious sound produced by a group of croaking toads.
Toadlets: Young toads, particularly referring to baby toads.
Competition: A situation in which individuals or groups strive to outdo each other, often for a specific goal or recognition.
Bumpy: Having a surface that is not smooth but has raised areas or irregularities.
Eggs: Female reproductive cells produced by animals, including toads, which develop into offspring.
Pests: Unwanted organisms, such as insects or other animals, that can cause harm or damage to plants or crops.
Roads and Tunnels: Man-made structures designed to provide safe passage for toads across roads, protecting them from traffic.
Sticky Tongue: Refers to the adhesive quality of a toad's tongue, allowing it to catch and consume prey.