1. Introduction 

• Common name: Common toad

• Scientific name: Bufo bufo

• Main category: Amphibians

• Sub-category: Anurans

The common toad is a terrestrial amphibian widely found throughout Europe. It is recognizable by its rough skin, stocky body, and golden eyes with horizontal pupils. Less agile than frogs, it prefers walking or making short hops. It’s a discreet but very helpful animal, especially in gardens.

2. Common Toad Fact Sheet

• Diet: Insectivore (worms, slugs, insects, spiders)

• Primary habitat: Forests, meadows, gardens, ponds for reproduction

• Geographic distribution: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia

• Skin type: Rough, dry, and warty

• Dominant colors: Brown, gray, beige, sometimes spotted

• Number of legs: 4

• Horns: None

• Size: 6 to 15 cm (females are larger than males)

• Weight: 20 to 80 g

• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years in the wild (up to 40 years in captivity)

3. Amazing Facts About the Common Toad

• It secretes a toxic substance (bufotoxin) to defend against predators.

• Unlike frogs, it rarely jumps — it usually walks or makes small hops.

• It has excellent spatial memory and often returns to the same pond to breed.

• It can live far from water for most of the year, except during breeding season.

• The male clings to the female (amplexus) for several days, sometimes traveling long distances.

4. Where Does the Common Toad Live? Habitat and Distribution

The common toad prefers moist terrestrial environments such as forests, meadows, and gardens, but it needs still water bodies (ponds, marshes) to reproduce. It is highly adaptable and can be found at altitudes up to 2000 meters.

Geographic regions:

• Europe: France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries

• North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

• Western Asia: Turkey, Iran, Caucasus

In winter, the toad hibernates in the soil, under dead leaves, or in underground crevices. It can remain inactive for several months.

5. Temperament and Behavior of the Common Toad

• Nocturnal: Active at night, especially after rain.

• Discreet: Very calm and solitary, avoids conflict.

• Territorial: May defend its feeding or breeding area from other toads.

• Slow but enduring: Moves slowly but can cover long distances.

• Garden helper: Helps control pest populations such as slugs and insects.

6. Reproduction of the Common Toad: Life Cycle and Behavior

Common toad reproduction begins in early spring, usually between February and April depending on the region.

Reproductive cycle:

• The male calls the female with a soft croak (less loud than frogs).

• Mating takes place in water, where the male clings to the female’s back.

• The female lays between 5,000 and 8,000 eggs in long gelatinous strings.

• Eggs hatch after 2 to 3 weeks, producing black tadpoles.

• Metamorphosis into young toads takes 2 to 3 months.

The young leave the water in summer to begin their terrestrial life. They reach sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years of age.