A comparison of size and body weights of common toads (Bufo bufo) from two sites in Southern England

Abstract

Comparisons of size and body weight were made between common toads, Bufo bufo, from two geographically close (27 km) but separated populations (Portland; Purbeck) in Dorset, S. England between 1982 and 1985. Significant differences were found in the length and weight of males and females, both between years at each site and between sites and showed that the Purbeck toads were both heavier (23%) for any given body length and longer (17 %) than the Portland toads. Within a site, the between year varia- tion in the body weight of toads of the same body length was such that the heaviest toads weighed up to 14% more than the lightest toads. The body length of toads at both sites were compared with those from common toad populations in Wales and Europe.