Toads are amphibians that look very similar to frogs and many experts consider toads just one kind of frog. We have two native toads in this country: the Common Toad and the much rarer Natterjack Toad

Toads are, however, different from most frogs in a number of ways. Toads generally have a dry and leathery skin which means they rely more on their lungs to breathe (rather than their skin like frogs do). Also this type of 'dry' skin means that moisture inside the body is less likely to escape, therefore toads can live quite away from water in drier conditions.

Toads are quite unattractive in looks and their skin usually has lots of lumps and warts. They also have two lumps on either side of their heads and these lumps are called ‘paratid glands’ which ooze out poison when toads are stressed. Toads do not make tasty meals. Toads do not have teeth and are generally brown in colour.