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Amphibian✓ Protected species

Frog / Toad

Anura spp.

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Pick up with WET hands (amphibian skin is permeable — dry or creamed hands damage it)
  2. 2Frogs found on roads during March–April migrations: move them to the side they were heading
  3. 3If injured: damp container with wet leaves, keep cool
  4. 4Contact CRAS specialised in reptiles and amphibians

✗NEVER do this

  • ✗Do not touch with dry hands, sunscreen, or insect repellent — lethal to amphibian skin
  • ✗Do not keep in deep water: amphibians drown if they cannot get out
  • ✗Do not expose to direct sunlight or heat
  • ✗Do not pick up toads just because "they are in the road" — helping them cross is enough

⚠ Important note

Amphibians are among the most at-risk animals for extinction worldwide: many Italian species are in critical decline. Common toad migrations (February–March) on road routes cause enormous mortality. Many councils organise "toad patrols" with volunteers — ask the local CRAS. The common toad has parotoid glands that secrete bufadienolides (toxic to dogs and if ingested): wear gloves and do not touch your mouth.

⚖ Legal protection

Almost all Italian amphibians are protected by Law 157/1992 and various annexes of the Habitats Directive.

Also known as

common frogcommon toadgreen toadtree frognewtsalamanderyellow-bellied toad

Did you find a frog / toad right now?

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