Mallorcan Midwife Toad

[chris butterworth]

Just got back from Serra de Tramuntana, in the north of Mallorca. Had brilliant views of the endemic Midwife Toad, pity my photos didn't turn out though. I've seen Common Midwife Toad before but I wasn't prepared for the size of these animals, they are TINY, only about half the size of a Natterjack. If anyone wants to find them it can involve quite a bit of scrambling into narrow(ish) gorges about 20 M deep and the toads tend to stay inside horizontal cracks, but, if they are calling, listne for 'Scops Owls' coming from somewher under your feet. 1st 'lifer' for the year!
Chris :beer::beer::beer:

[Ditch]

:D They sound amazing! 'Half the size of a Natterjack'?! Blimey; That's small!

I've had a lot to do with amphibians, in a past life. Never did get into Midwifes though. Now, here in Eire, we have only the Natterjack - though not round here - and the usual frog. I see loads of frogs on my ground but, I dearly miss good old B. bufo. I really have a soft spot for toads :)

[chris butterworth]

Have a look at the Arkive website, the photos show how small they really are - even without a scale.