The Isles of Scilly Biodiversity Audit 2008 - Cornwall Wildlife Trust

2.2.1.27 Amphibia – frogs, toads andnewtsOverviewAmphibians include frogs, toads and newts. The Islesof Scilly seems suitable for the three species that arefound in Cornwall, but only one is certainly foundthere.The common frog Rana temporaria is found on StMary’s and possibly on Tresco, but the commontoad Bufo bufo – if it ever existed in the Isles of Scilly- appears to be extinct and there are no records of anyspecies of newt.the common frog.Conservation ImportanceThere are no species on the BAP priority list that arefound in the Isles of Scilly and the common frog doesnot appear to be currently threatened here and is not anational conservation priority.Trends and IssuesResearchMore research is required in order to fully assess thestatus of the common frog on St Mary’s and Tresco.Anecdotal evidence indicates that the population mayhave declined in the past, perhaps due to pesticide useand/or the lack of ditch maintenance.Important AreasThe mires and ponds of St Mary’s are important forCommon Frog Rana temporaria. Photo: JB&S BottomleyIsles of Scilly biodiversity audit Page 41