Skip to main content
Global Animal Guide

Common Toad: Key Facts

Brown warty common toad with copper eyes sitting on damp soil among leaves

Quick answer

Common Toads (Bufo bufo) are amphibians found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The warty garden toad of Europe. Adults typically weigh 20–80 g (0.7–2.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 3 km/h (2 mph), and live 10–12 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, worms, slugs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodlands, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa.

By , Founder Last reviewed Cite this page How we research & review

Key takeaway

Common Toads (Bufo bufo) are amphibians found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The warty garden toad of Europe. Adults typically weigh 20–80 g (0.7–2.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 3 km/h (2 mph), and live 10–12 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, worms, slugs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodlands, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa.

Common Toad overview

Common Toad (Bufo bufo) is a amphibian listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 20–80 g (0.7–2.8 oz); lifespan around 10–12 years in the wild.

Common Toad ecology

Diet: Carnivore (insects, worms, slugs). Habitat: Woodland, grassland, and gardens near ponds. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.

Common Toads and people

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild common toads are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

Status and further reading

Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Common Toad profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.

Range and habitat

Common Toads inhabit Woodlands, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa. Their preferred habitat includes woodland, grassland, and gardens near ponds, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across Europe, As

Physical characteristics and behaviour

Adult common toads typically measure about 0.13 m in length and weigh 20–80 g (0.7–2.8 oz). They can sprint at up to 3 km/h (2 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Common Toads are known for the warty garden toad of europe — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.

Sources

Common Toad FAQs

What are key facts about common toads?

Common Toads (Bufo bufo) are amphibians found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The warty garden toad of Europe. Adults typically weigh 20–80 g (0.7–2.8 oz), reach speeds of up to 3 km/h (2 mph), and live 10–12 years in the wild. They feed on carnivore (insects, worms, slugs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Woodlands, grasslands, and gardens across Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa.

What is the scientific name of the common toad?

Bufo bufo — used in research and conservation listings for common toads.

What do common toads eat?

Common Toads eat insects, worms and slugs, with seasonal and regional variation in Woodland, grassland, and gardens near ponds.

Where do common toads live?

They are associated with Woodland, grassland, and gardens near ponds. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.

What is the conservation status of common toads?

Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.

← Back to Common Toad guide