Research, ex-situ breeding and reintroduction of the common spadefoot toad 2.0 (EVINBO)

This project is part of the 2017–2021 Species Protection Programme (SBP) for the common spadefoot toad (approved on 19 December 2016). The common spadefoot toad is a ‘critically endangered species’ in Flanders. The SBP provides for the launch of a breeding programme to prevent the species from becoming extinct in Flanders. With this breeding programme, we aim to strengthen the remaining populations by rearing locally collected egg strings under controlled conditions and reintroducing the bred toads. In addition, we aim to establish new populations by introducing toads from other sources. INBO is responsible for the breeding (including genetic research), and for developing and advising on a release strategy aimed at achieving the conservation objectives for this species.