New pond created in Kerry for endangered natterjack toads
In Ireland, the Natterjack toad is protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000.
The Natterjack Toad is Ireland’s only native toad species and found in just a handful of mostly coastal locations in Kerry.
At Derrynane House and Historic Park in Kerry, the Natterjack relies on shallow, artificial ponds for breeding, but due to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change, one of those ponds has become at risk of being overwhelmed by the Atlantic Ocean.
In partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) the OPW created a new pond over the winter, in a location less prone to erosion, for the toads to migrate to and breed in the early spring.
Natterjack development takes about 60 days from spawning to emerging as 'toadlets'. The spawning usually begins in April — each breeding female lays a single string of spawn. The eggs usually hatch within 10 days and the tadpoles then metamorphose into toadlets in about six to eight weeks.
This timely pond development represents a significant step in the conservation of an endangered species, part of OPW's commitment to sustainably manage important heritage sites and integrate biodiversity across all of its operations.
Chris O'Neill, parks superintendent at OPW, highlighted the significance of this project: "The natterjack toads are very special because they're only found naturally in a handful of places in South West Ireland and is very restricted in its northern range in Europe. By creating this artificial pond we’re hoping to achieve an improved outlook for the natterjack toads at Derrynane, which can potentially be used as a stepping stone to spread to other areas in the locality.”
As part of its Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026, the OPW appointed JBA Consulting Engineers and Scientists Ltd to undertake a biodiversity audit and action plan on 10 historic sites which included Derrynane.
The Derrynane Biodiversity Audit & Action Plan outlines its biodiversity significance which is located within the boundary of two European (Natura 2000) protected habitat designations, the Special Area of Conservation, Kenmare River and the Special Protection Area, Iveragh Peninsula.
A baseline survey was undertaken along with recommendations to further improve the sites important biodiversity. The report concludes that the good management at Derrynane National Historic Park is resulting in the overall good health of the habitats and protected species at the site.
