The Western Leopard Toad (WLT) is only found in the Western Cape and has been declared an endangered species by official conservation groups. With spring being their annual migration period from residential areas to water in Cape Town, non-profit organisations and the Two Oceans Aquarium are asking everyone to do their bit to protect these unique hometown amphibians.
What to do
Western leopard toads are endemic to the Western Cape, living primarily in the coastal lowlands and mountain slopes of Cape Town’s suburbs. They have a special leopard-like pattern on their body, with brownish patches over bright yellow skin. Learn more about them on the Aquarium’s blog.
A big threat to Western leopard toads is cars, as they often cross vast distances and roads late at night during mating season in August. As such, drivers are urged to travel carefully and watch for toads on the road, which can look like small white stones when struck by headlights. After spotting a toad, they are encouraged to gently pick up the toad and move it to the side of the road it was facing.
Another way to help is by volunteering time and effort to protect these creatures. It can be a fun family activity in the evening, as volunteers contact WLT co-ordinators who explain exactly what to do and where to go. Helping with toad-crossing is usually the most useful activity.
Citizens are also encouraged to take photos of any toads spotted and upload them to iNaturalist, which can help the City of Cape Town make strategic planning decisions to improve WLT safety. Finally, homeowners are encouraged to create undisturbed gardens filled with indigenous plants and toad-savers, and refrain from using pesticides. That way, WLTs have a safe sanctuary as they come and go between habitats.
According to Nova News, migration hotspots for Western leopard toads include Kirstenhof, Lakeside, Muizenberg, Norfolk Park, Orchard Village, Tokai, Constantia, Zeekoevlei, Rondevlei, Grassy Park, and Noordhoek. Citizens in these areas are strongly encouraged to help with WLTs during this special time. More information is available on the official WLT website.
Who to contact
For important inquiries or simple questions about Western leopard toads and how to help them, citizens can contact the following organisations through their channels.
Western Leopard Toad Conservation Committee
Website: westernleopardtoad.org
Email: [email protected]
Two Oceans Aquarium
Website: www.aquarium.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @2oceansaquarium
Facebook: @TwoOceansAquarium
Find out where else to volunteer time, effort, and passion in Cape Town
