Sabrina & the Toads

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Comment by John Measey on February 12, 2009 at 11:52am

Hi there,

When I saw this video in December, I found it very interesting. As Suzie pointed out, in the last close-up of the toad (around 27 Seconds) you can see some small organisms moving around on the toad eye. I contacted a colleague in Potsch who specialises in amphibian parasites and he just gave me a call to say how excited he was (he's only just managed to read the email).

Louis told me the he doesn't recognise this parasite - it doesn't conform to any that are known for toads, although there are some candidates (mite larvae or protozoans). He also pointed out that a couple of seconds before you can watch a mosquito flying away from the other after after a meal!

As Louis doesn't know what it is, he'd like to examine the parasite in more detail. Thus, if you see the same (or another) toad in your garden, have a careful look at the eye and see if it has these parasites. Put the toad in a bucket (cool and shady place) and give me a call (Suzie has my contact details). I'll come over as soon as possible and swab the parasites with a cotton bud and put them into alcohol, sending them to Louis.

It would be great to think that we could add to the knowledge of parasites in this species!

Thanks very much for the video,

John

Comment by Mark Day on December 29, 2008 at 8:09am

Wow, really good angles and quality! You should consider posting it on youtube!

Comment by Suzie on December 22, 2008 at 12:36pm

Stunning footage of your toads!