The distributions and conservation status of the six native amphibian species in Scotland are reviewed. Issues of under‐recording and false recording are noted, and steps to remedy these problems are described. Threats to amphibians in Scotland include diseases (a minor impact so far), road deaths, habitat loss, and climate change (to which populations may be resilient). Exploitation, competition, and pollution do not appear to be significant threats to amphibians in Scotland. Legal protection is currently strongest for the great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita), but the natterjack toads have only a small localized Scottish population. The ponds at Gartcosh hold the largest great crested newt population in Scotland. Translocation to a specially created reserve appears to have been successful but a new road across the site is an additional hazard, for which monitoring is in progress. Amphibian habitat enhancement in Scotland includes pond‐creation programmes, which have successfully increased the diversity of plants and invertebrates as well as amphibians. The value of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for amphibians and other wildlife is reviewed. The Eurasian beaver reintroduction programme may benefit amphibians in the longer term, but research is currently lacking. Road tunnels combined with fences are a vital mitigation for road‐traffic impacts on amphibians and have been monitored at one Scottish site. Amphibian ladders in road drains are another potentially helpful mitigation. The amphibians of Scotland need more long‐term monitoring. A national strategy is imminent and should stimulate the required research and action.
BACKGROUND Froglife is a national wildlife charity concerned with the conservation of the U.K.'s amphibian and reptile species and their associated habitats. Froglife's vision is a world in which reptile and amphibian populations are flourishing as part of healthy ecosystems.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.