Title: Woad

Bufo tinctoria Common name: Woad

Identification: The Woad differs from the Common Toad in having shorter limbs and in usually possessing blue pigmentation. The head is wider than it is long with large protruding eyes typical of the family Bufoisatis. The skin is tough and adult specimens exhibit distinct whorl markings. The back is dark blue - blue grey with various spiral markings irregularly orientated. The underside of the Woad is pale blue or whitish grey with distinct decorative markings. It is further remarkable for the very loud croak of the males, produced by a large vocal bladder on the throat which, when inflated, is larger than the head. Adults reach a size of about 8 inches in length.

Biology: The Woad had a markedly terrestrial habit being found in many fairly dry habitats and sometimes close to human settlements, this has accelerated the environmental and human pressures on the animal accounting for it's remarkable rarity. The Woad usually makes it's home in a dry place close to a small pool often known as a vat.