The common toad is in evolutionary terms an ancient creature and has variously been the subject of hate, curiosity, superstition and legend. It is an animal that generally goes unseen except by the diligent garener or in spring, when it is drawn back to its traditional spawning pond. These breeding migrations have brought the species to the attention of the general public because of the number which are regrettably killed by vehicles as they cross major roads. Although much is known about the migrations and the subsequent aquatic phases of the toad's life history, far less is known about the cues and controls of migration or about the terrestrial part of the toad's year.This book draws together the scattered strands of information to provide a fascinating account of this unusual animal.