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AssetID: 33918294

Headline: 'Toad Patrol' Bid To Rescue Amphibians On Britain's Busy Roads

Caption: PICTURE SHOWS: Common Toad mating pair in amplexus found at a notorious migration crossing point on a busy country lane during the breeding migration period in early spring. ....... STORY COPY: A valiant ‘Toad Patrol’ group are saving hundreds of amphibians being killed by vehicles. Charity Froglife organise volunteers to patrol roads known as crossing points for Common Toads, Common Frogs and Smooth Newts. In early spring every year, thousands migrate from their hibernation sites to breeding grounds. These images show a patrol on Hampshire's Cufaude Lane, which was once a quiet country byway running between Bramley and Basingstoke. However, the construction of a vast housing estate and business park at one end of the lane, and an increase in housing numbers at the other have meant it has become "a rat-run of appalling proportions". On March 9th 2018 alone, 263 animals were rescued in the space of two hours, but despite the best efforts of those involved more than 60 were killed. It is hard to estimate the real numbers of casualties because Brown Rats soon drag off the carcasses – by morning there is nothing left to see of the previous night’s carnage. Despite the name, Common Toads have seen a 68% decline in their numbers over the last 30 years in a survey conducted by Froglife. Habitat loss is a major problem for them, specifically the ponds where they breed and surrounding land where they live terrestrial lives. But traffic road kill is also a big issue and is illustrated dramatically by a case in point in Hampshire. Froglife are currently asking for volunteers for patrols to "Help us get amorous toads across our roads safely". Details here: http://www.froglife.org/what-we-do/toads-on-roads/tormap/?platform=hootsuite

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