Common Spadefoot
VU

Common Spadefoot

Pelobates fuscus

UnknownLCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelobates_fuscus

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

FRESHWATER· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Common Spadefoot classified as Vulnerable?
Common Spadefoot is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does Common Spadefoot live?
Common Spadefoot occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Common Spadefoot?
The main threats to Common Spadefoot are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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