Common Spadefoot
Pelobates fuscus
Pelobates fuscus is a species of toad in the family Pelobatidae, native to an area extending from Central Europe to Western Asia. It is commonly known as the common spadefoot, garlic toad, the common spadefoot toad and the European common spadefoot.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelobates_fuscus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Pelobatidae
Genus
Pelobates
Common Spadefoot belongs to the family Pelobatidae, order Anura, within the Amphibia class.
Species Profile
Pelobates fuscus is a species of toad in the family Pelobatidae, native to an area extending from Central Europe to Western Asia. It is commonly known as the common spadefoot, garlic toad, the common spadefoot toad and the European common spadefoot.
The Common Spadefoot faces significant population declines across its European range due to widespread habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized breeding sites. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and wetland drainage have eliminated many of the temporary pools and sandy soils essential for this species' survival, while pollution and climate change further threaten remaining populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Sandy soils, heathlands, and agricultural areas with access to temporary pools, ponds, and shallow water bodies for breeding. This fossorial species requires loose, well-drained substrates for burrowing and nearby ephemeral wetlands that provide suitable conditions for reproduction and larval development.
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Wetland drainage and destruction of temporary breeding pools
Climate change affecting precipitation patterns and breeding cycles
Water pollution and agricultural chemical runoff
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/common-spadefoot