European Green Toad
Bufotes viridis
The European Green Toad is a distinctive amphibian species known for its high-contrast pattern of green island-like spots on a light, whitish-grey background. It is a pioneer species that prefers sun-exposed, sparsely vegetated dry habitats and temporary water bodies for breeding. In Central Europe, it is one of the most drought-tolerant amphibian species and exhibits a remarkable tolerance for slightly saline water.
Details
Identification
Green island-like spots on a light background, reddish warts, horizontal pupils, trilling mating call, usually lacks a light dorsal stripe.
Social behavior
Predominantly solitary outside the breeding season; males form calling choruses at water bodies during the spawning period.
Diet
Feeds on a variety of terrestrial invertebrates such as beetles, ants, spiders, woodlice, and snails.
Hunting strategy
Active nocturnal searching on the ground or ambush hunting for passing prey.
Spawning substrate
Spawn strings are deposited in shallow water on plant stems or directly on the sandy-muddy bottom of the water body.
Overwintering
Hibernation on land in frost-proof burrows, crevices, under stone piles, or in cellars.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important consumer of insects and simultaneously a prey species for various birds, snakes, and small carnivorous mammals.
Natural predators
Grass snake, White Stork, Grey Heron, various birds of prey, hedgehogs, and mustelids.
Competitor species
Natterjack Toad (similar habitat requirements), Common Toad (near forests or during spawning site overlap).
Ecosystem service
Natural regulation of insect populations, including in urban and agricultural areas.
Threats
Destruction of pioneer habitats, loss of temporary small water bodies, landscape fragmentation, and pesticide use.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Green spotted pattern on a light background; greenish iris; parallel parotoid glands. Unlike the Natterjack toad, it usually lacks the yellow dorsal stripe.
Role in food web
Secondary consumer (insectivore); tadpoles serve as food for aquatic insects and fish; adults are prey for birds and snakes.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of pioneer habitats due to succession or filling of excavations; intensification of agriculture (pesticides); landscape fragmentation by road construction; climate change (drying up of breeding sites).
Population trend
Highly endangered in Germany (Red List 2), globally stable (IUCN). Populations are declining in many regions of Central Europe.
Conservation measures
Creation of new temporary small water bodies; maintenance of open pioneer sites (e.g., through grazing or mechanical disturbance); protection of migration corridors; amphibian fences.