Once again volunteers came to the rescue of our amphibian population in Waunceirch. Due to the long hard winter of 2009/10 the start of the annual breeding migration did not begin until March 17^th whereas in previous years, this had started as early as February 7^th. When the weather finally turned mild and wet, the toads made their journeys in large numbers as if to make up for lost time. The highest number of toads rescued on any particular evening was 79 but by April 6^th the migration had slowed down to only 2 or 3 toads being found each night. In previous years the migration took place over a much longer period.

 

It was particularly pleasing to see a large increase in the number of toads rescued compared with the previous year.  This year 658 toads  and also 39 frogs were rescued whereas last year only  ? were picked up from the roads. It is thought that the low numbers found last year was due to the disturbance caused by the housing development opposite Waunceirch School. The location of this site cuts across the ancestral breeding route of the toads making their journey to their breeding ground, known locally as Dyffryn Pond. Very few toads were found near to the building site this year. Perhaps they are cleverer than we think! Maybe they changed their route to avoid this development.

 

Bryncoch Environment Group would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to help with the Patrol, especially those who turned out on the many wet evenings. Well done!

 

If anyone is interested in getting involved with this worthwhile project next spring they can contact the Group via their website or by phone, details on the Homepage, to register their interest.

 

Finally, you may have seen the large number of toadlets making their way from Dyffryn Pond along the path known as Red Ash and the road leading up from the pond. It is amazing to see these incredibly small creatures travelling such huge distances.  They will live happily in woodland and gardens for a few years until they are mature enough to start breeding in a few years time. So if you are walking in the area, PLEASE WATCH WHERE YOU STEP. 

 

 

 

This years figures of the Toad Patrol are below :-