Where did the toads come from?
Donation protected
The common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) is a non-native species here in the UK. It is unknown whether or not the species poses a threat to our native amphibian species but the likelihood is that it poses no risk. We are working to collect DNA samples from each of the currently confirmed populations around the country using minimally invasive techniques. These will then be extracted and sequenced before being compared to a reference database to determine where the toads came from.
It has long been assumed that all of the UK's midwife toads came from France but by following this procedure, we've established that the Cambridge population originated from northern Spain. How cool would it be to help overturn over 100 years of scientific knowledge? By donating to this crowdfunder, you'll contribute directly to a national monitoring program that is sure to have some surprising results! A number of samples have already been collected and are awaiting sequencing but we can't proceed without the generosity of funders - thanks to those that have already donated.
All funds collected as part of this campaign will be spent on the reagents and sequencing needed to help make this project possible. All of our samples are being collected by citizen scientists through their local Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs), so thanks guys you rock!
We will be posting regular updates on how the project is going so be sure to check back on a regular basis. For more information, search #HerpHelix on social media.
It has long been assumed that all of the UK's midwife toads came from France but by following this procedure, we've established that the Cambridge population originated from northern Spain. How cool would it be to help overturn over 100 years of scientific knowledge? By donating to this crowdfunder, you'll contribute directly to a national monitoring program that is sure to have some surprising results! A number of samples have already been collected and are awaiting sequencing but we can't proceed without the generosity of funders - thanks to those that have already donated.
All funds collected as part of this campaign will be spent on the reagents and sequencing needed to help make this project possible. All of our samples are being collected by citizen scientists through their local Amphibian and Reptile Groups (ARGs), so thanks guys you rock!
We will be posting regular updates on how the project is going so be sure to check back on a regular basis. For more information, search #HerpHelix on social media.
Organizer
Steven Allain
Organizer
