With leopard toad breeding season approaching, CT motorists urged to be cautious when driving
Numerous areas around the peninsula have seen high numbers of toads crossing busy roads, with many being hurt or killed when hit by cars.
FILE: An information board for the protection of the Western leopard toad. Picture: Claude Thouvenin / Biosphoto / Biosphoto via AFP
CAPE TOWN - As breeding season approaches for leopard toads, the Two Oceans Aquarium is urging Capetonians to be cautious when driving.
During this time of year, the endangered species migrate from their usual homes to bodies of water to breed.
This process involves the amphibians crossing various roads in the Western Cape.
Numerous areas around the peninsula have seen high numbers of toads crossing busy roads, with many being hurt or killed when hit by cars.
Aquarium spokesperson, Heather Wares, said the toads were endemic to the province, and most of the population cuold be found in residential gardens.
"Drive slowly and look out for the toads at night, they often look like small stones in the road. Where it is safe to do so, please pull over and stop to move the toads across the road, you can do this by placing your one hand over the front or back of the body, gently gripping the underneath with your fingers, place your other hand underneath the toad when lifting and carry it completely away from the verge of the road."