Campaign to save island's toads

The toad was once a familiar site inland

A campaign has been launched to save Jersey's indigenous toad.

The crapaud is believed to have disappeared from Guernsey, and the population is also falling in Jersey.

A study has found that high nitrate levels in ponds because of intensive agriculture have forced toad populations to the edges of the island.

Toad Watch campaigners are urging residents to make their gardens more toad-friendly by adding ponds. They say islanders can help boost numbers.

The ponds should be kept free of exotic fish and chemicals to increase the chances of toad spawn surviving.

The toads were once a familiar sight inland.

A three-year study into crapauds has found most in the south east, south west and near town.

Amphibian conservationist John Wilkinson is leading the study, which is due to be completed in 2008.