Let’s hear it for the natterjack

GIVEN all the bad news we hear about the state of nature, it’s always positive to note the success of a project to ensure the survival of an endangered species in Ireland.

The natterjack toad is found only in parts of counties Kerry and Wexford and there are clear signs that a programme to involve farmers in a plan to reverse a decline in population is getting good results. Farmers are being grant-aided to dig and manage ponds on their land, to the tune of €1,000 each per year.

About 35% of the ponds in the Castlemaine Harbour area of Co Kerry are successful and young toads are being moved from poorly performing ponds to those showing better results. Ideally, ponds have to be shallow and surrounding land must also be managed in relation to grazing by other animals.