Amphibian conservation in Scotland: A review of threats and opportunities

Abstract

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.

The threats facing Scotland’s herpetofauna, and what can be done about them

“…As well as the overall threats facing all wildlife (habitat loss and degradation, and climate change, mainly) Scottish amphibian and reptile species can face some quite specific threats (Downie et al, 2019;McInerny & Minting, 2016). For example, mortality on roads is a major issue for common toads (Bufo bufo), linked to the mass migrations in the spring of adults to breeding ponds and in the autumn of juveniles from ponds.…”