Toad crossing: Western leopard toads are on the move in Cape Town!

The Two Oceans Aquarium appeals to all motorists to be aware of migrating Western leopard toads on roads, especially at night. It is that time of the year when the endangered Western leopard toads migrate from their garden homes to various bodies of water to breed. Unfortunately, this is a perilous time for the toads as it involves crossing busy roads to reach their breeding grounds.

“In August, Western leopard toads in their numbers can be seen crossing roads around the Cape Peninsula. This migration is fraught with danger, as the toads have to navigate busy suburban roads at night. Already, many have lost their lives due to cars. In an interaction between a toad and a car, the toad always comes off as second best,” said Helen Lockhart, Two Oceans Aquarium Conservation and Sustainability Manager.

Several areas around the Peninsula have already seen several toads moving across busy roads, and sadly, many have failed to cross safely. Hot spot areas include Kirstenhof, Lakeside, Muizenberg, Norfolk Park, Orchard Village, Tokai, and Zwaanswyk Roads in Constantia, Zeekoevlei, Rondevlei, Grassy Park, and Noordhoek. Western leopard toad coordinators in these areas appeal to the public to drive slowly and look out for the toads on the roads at night (they often look like small stones on the road). Where safe to do so, please pull over to the side of the road and move the toads across the road. The toads should be moved in the direction which they are facing.

Why is the Western leopard toad so special?

The Western leopard toad is endemic to the Western Cape, meaning that our province is the only place in the world where these elusive amphibians live. They benefit humans by eating various insects, including mosquitoes. They are most active from late July to September, and especially in August at breeding time. When the winter rains start to fall, the toads migrate from residential areas to the water to breed. The males are the first to make their way to the water, and when they are ready, they start calling the females with loud, snoring calls.

Western leopard toads live and breed in low-lying areas and their surrounds. As urban development has taken place in these areas, the toads have moved into residential gardens, which is where they spend most of their time until breeding season.

The toads need your help!

Volunteers are needed in various areas to help patrol the roads at night and to move toads across the roads to safety. All you need is warm clothing, a torch, and a cellphone with GPS. The Coordinator will explain exactly what to do in the area you cover.