III. Species Action Plans - Newcastle City Council

13. Amphibians
13. Amphibians
common frog. Toads often have a
relatively short breeding period of no
more than a week, after which adults
migrate away from the pond to return
to their terrestrial feeding ground.
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
The common frog is the UK’s most
common amphibian, found in almost
any habitat where suitable breeding
ponds occur. In fact, garden ponds
have become extremely important to
this species, particularly in suburban
areas. Colouration of frogs can be
extremely variable; however, they are
generally olive-green or brown in
colour with a dark patch behind the
eyes. They also have bands of darker
striping on the back legs and often
have irregular dark markings on the
back.
Spawning takes place during early
spring, starting as early as February
and tadpoles develop into small
froglets which are then ready to leave
the water in early summer. Outside of
the breeding season, frogs can disperse
up to 500 metres from a breeding
pond to feed on a variety of invertebrate
prey such as slugs and snails
but they prefer to stay close to damp
habitat.
Current status
Species
Great Crested Newt
Smooth Newt
Palmate Newt
Common Toad
Common Frog
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Protection/Legislation
Great crested newts are protected in the
United Kingdom under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981 (as amended)
Schedule 5 and Schedule 2 of the Conservation
(Natural Habitats) Regulations
1994 (as amended).
It is illegal to:
Kill, injure or capture great crested
newts, their eggs or their young.
Destroy or damage ponds they use
for breeding or their terrestrial habitat.
Recklessly damage, destroy or
obstruct access to their shelter or
protection areas such as ponds.
Possess or transport a great crested
newt or any parts of the animal unless
required legally.
To sell, barter or exchange great
crested newts or any part thereof.
Only licensed professionals can
approach great crested newts or their
habitat
UK Status
UK BAP Priority Species
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UK BAP Priority Species
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13. Amphibians
Newcastle & North Tyneside Biodiversity Action Plan