15/09/2012 - Susan Wishart reports The breeding season was over in a few days this year. The tadpoles will take about 2 - 3weeks to hatch and then will grow to toadlets by November or December and leave the water to seek foraging territories. updated 15/09/2012.
09/07/2012 - Susan Wishart reports Dear KirMiTS, friends and any other interested parties!
photograph by Clifford Dorse.
A mating pair of Western Leopard Toads. The egg strings can be clearly seen in the photo.
As winter draws in, we humans light fires to keep warm and snuggle under thick blankets. Winter is a time of semi-hibernation for us, but for the Western Leopard Toad it is the exact opposite. As temperatures drop, toads begin to hear the call of the breeding pond. Towards the end of July, our spotty friends will start their annual breeding migration to their local pond. Negotiating many obstacles and hazards, the toads face the worst danger of all on our roads – cars!
Last year we saved 86% of the toads we encountered in 18 suburbs. Without volunteers the death toll would be far greater. To quote Melanie, a toad patroller: “This is our turf, we must look after it to the best of our ability. Every child should experience the joys of watching a tadpole turn into a frog. How will this happen if we ignore the fragile environment in which these amazing Toads live? We must give back to a species whose area we have invaded, let us take care of the little area that is left for them. If you are unable to help by patrolling, at least be aware of what to look for when driving in wet weather, the time the Toads are on the move.”
If you would like to participate in saving this species from extinction, join us for essential volunteer training on:
22nd July 2012 at 5.00pm - Cape Point Vineyards Tasting
Room, 1 Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek.
Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP to Susan Wishart - Khaye@learntoearn.co.za or 083 441 4740
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