Natterjack makes a comeback in Ireland

The natterjack toad, the throaty, nocturnal amphibian whose mating call is thought to be the loudest in Europe and which is found in sandy areas in mid-Kerry, is making a comeback.

Wildlife staff with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have announced “a bumper year” for the distinctive yellow-striped toad with the funny gait, who walks rather than hops.

A wet May and a warm June, along with a grant-aided pond-digging scheme for local farmers, have contributed to “a huge abundance of young toadlets” .

The young toads are now emerging from breeding sites in the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas, according to an effusive statement from the Department this weekend.

Endangered species

Natterjacks, one of only three amphibians in Ireland, along with the frog and the newt, are on the Red List of endangered species and recently their conservation status was pronounced “unfavourable”.

However, in the words of the Department, “things may finally be looking up for the natterjack toad in Kerry”.

Along with the weather, a pond-digging scheme for local farmers has contributed, and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan has paid tribute to local farmers.

Some 48 farmers in the Castlemaine Harbour and Castlegregory areas have signed up to the scheme, which sees them maintaining the ponds.

They receive €1,000 a year for doing so.

“The local farmers have played an important role in providing and managing habitats for this rare animal and it is rewarding to see that paying dividends,” Mr Deenihan said.