BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE
WESTERN LEOPARD TOAD Amietophrynus pantherinus
Tony Rebelo1, John Measey2, Atherton de Villiers3, & Clifford Dorse4
with contributions from Julie Anderson, Joy Garman and Evanne Rothwell
1
South African National Biodiversity Institute: Threatened Species Research Unit,
South African National Biodiversity Institute: Molecular Ecology and Evolution
3 Cape Nature
4 City of Cape Town: Biodiversity Management Branch
2
Lead Agency: South African National Biodiversity Institute
Implementing Organizations: City of Cape Town:
Biodiversity Management Branch
Environment Management Services
Parks and Forests
Roads and Stormwater
Table Mountain National Park
DEA&DP
DRAFT FOR COMMENT
Prepared for National Biodiversity Management Plan for Species as per NEMBA 2004
1
1.1 Table of Contents
1.1 Table of Contents
1.2 Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary of Terms
2 Executive summary
3 Introduction.
4 Background
4.1: Conservation status and legislative context
4.2: Species details
4.3: Role players and planning methodology
5 Aim of the plan
6 Threats and problems identified
7 Action Plan
8 Monitoring
9 Stakeholder consultation list
10 Proof of Compliance
11 References
12 Appendixes
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1.2 Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary of Terms
1.2.1. Abbreviations
1.2.2. Acronyms
CapeNature
CoCT
CoCT: BMB
CoCT: EMS
DEADP
DEAT
HR
LUPO
SANBI
SANParks
TMF
TMNP
Western Cape Nature Conservation
City of Cape Town
City of Cape Town: Biodiversity Management Branch
City of Cape Town: Environmental Management Services
Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Ikapa Honorary Rangers
Land Use Planning Ordinance
South African National Biodiversity Institute
South African National Parks
Table Mountain Fund
Table Mountain National Park
1.2.3. Glossary
Adult toads
Breeding toads, specifically those that visit Breeding sites. This excludes
toadlets and subadults. Generally any toad more than 85 mm long (males;
snout to vent) and 95mm long (females).
Amplexus
The mating embrace of male upon female employed by toads when
mating.
Blackspot
A road with a high number of toads crossing and killed annually (5 on any
night per running km, or more than 20 per season per running km). These
are usually adjacent Breeding sites.
Breeding sites Waterbodies (ponds, pools, rivers, canals, wetlands, dams, vleis) used by
toads for mating, and in which eggs and tadpoles develop and toadlets
remain until ready to disperse.
Foraging range That habitat used by toads during the non-breeding season. Generally
any area within 2km radius of a known Breeding site.
Migration
Movement of toads to and from Breeding sites. This involves toads
moving to and leaving the Breeding sites during August and toadlets
leaving water bodies during summer. All three of these movements are
usually “explosive” and last only 1-3 days, but the actual dates, durations
and intensity vary unpredictably between years and are determined mainly
by climate.
Mortality threshold The number of deaths per kilometer of road per day per Breeding site
population that exceeds acceptable limits. Until more research is
undertaken this is arbitrarily set at 5% of the breeding population per year.
Actual figures per road will depend on duration of migration, size of the
Breeding site and foraging range of toads relative to roads. Smaller
Breeding sites and phases where populations are declining may require
more stringent thresholds.
Sub-adults
Toads more than 30 mm and less than 85 mm long (snout to vent). Cf:
adult and toadlets.
Tadpoles
The juvenile, aquatic phase of toads, between eggs and toadlets
Synonym: polywiggles, polywogs.
Toadlets
Newly metamorphosed toads in their first migration away from breeding
sites. Generally, any toad less than 30mm long (snout to vent). Cf: adult.
Toad-friendly barriers
Any barrier (walls, fences, gates, electric fences, curbs, etc.)
that allow toads in amplexus passage (arbitrarily set at a 100mm diam.
gap at ground level) at least once every running 20m.
Toads
Unless specified, any metamorphosed individual of the Western Leopard
Toad, excluding eggs and tadpoles, but including toadlets.
2 Executive Summary.
3 Introduction.
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A succinct aims and objectives of the BMP-S;
Timescales to be included;
Biodiversity justification;
Benefits of the plan;
Briefly introduce the species and why it needs a BMP-S;
Anticipated outcomes; and,
Brief overview of the legal mandate.
4 Background.
4.1: Conservation status and legislative context:
4.1.1 Parties responsible for management and signing of MoU:
SANBI: Threatened Species Programme – monitoring
Responsible person (Monitoring): Domitilla Raimondo;
SANBI: Threatened Species Research Programme – Research and coordination;
Responsible person (Research): John Measey;
CoCT: Biodiversity Management Branch – coordination and monitoring;
Responsible person (Biodiversity Coordinator): Clifford Dorse;
Responsible person (Area Manager - South Area): Dalton Gibbs;
CoCT: City Parks – mowing: Verge maintenance;
Responsible person (Director City Parks): Christa la Roux ,
CoCT: Roads and Stormwater - dredging, curbs, road signage, road safety;
Responsible person (Road policy & maintenance): Duncan Daries,
Responsible person (Stormwater): Mogamat Kenny,
CoCT: Environmental Management Services – policy, planning and building plan
approval, compliance; Responsible person (EMS): Joy Garmen/Andy
Greenwood;
DEA&DP: Director: Anthony Barnes;
DEA&DP: Deputy Director (Region B2): Paul Hardcastle;
DEA&DP: Deputy Director (Region B1): Zaahir Toefy;
DEA&DP: Integrated Enviro Management: Tammy Christie –
tchristie@pgwc.gov.za;
DEA&DP: Spatial Planning: Melissa Naiker – mnaiker@pgwc.gov.za;
DEA&DP: Deputy Director Biodiversity Management and Climate change:
Dennis Laidler – dlaidler@pgwc.gov.za;
CapeNature: To sign MoU with DEA&DP
TMNP – monitoring and rescue coordination: Leighan Mossop;
Responsible person (Southern section): Justin Buchmann;
Responsible person (Central section): Leighan Mossop;
Responsible person (Tokai and Cecilia): Chris Botes;
Responsible person (Northern section): Xola ??.
4.1.2 Compliance with NEMBA principles;
<What comes here? Effectively 4.1.3-4.1.11 do this! – < Tilla>
Compliance with NEMA principles;
Including, inter alia:
 “(4)(a) Sustainable development requires the consideration of all relevant factors
including the following:
(i) That the disturbance of ecosystems and loss of biological diversity are
avoided, or, where they cannot be altogether avoided, are minimized and
remedied;”
 “(4)(r) Sensitive, vulnerable, highly dynamic or stressed ecosystems, such as
coastal shores, estuaries, wetlands, and similar systems require specific
attention in management and planning procedures, especially where they are
subject to significant human resource usage and development pressure.”
Compliance with NEMA EIA regulation:
 Activities requiring environmental authorisation:
GN No: R.386, Item (4) “The dredging, excavation, infilling, removal or moving of
soil, sand or rock exceeding 5 cubic metres from a river, tidal lagoon, tidal river,
lake, in-stream dam, floodplain or wetland.”
4.1.3 Context in National Biodiversity Framework;
The Leopard Toad is a flagship species for conservation in the Cape Town
suburban environment and the urban edge. No other BMAP-S exist or are currently
planned from the area.
4.1.4 Context in Bioregional plans;
Bioregional Plans are in the early process of development and it is possible that
outcomes from the WLT BMP-species will be incorporated into this.
4.1.5 Context in any other plans issued in terms of NEMBA;
No other plans in the areas concerned have been issued or are planned in terms of
NEMBA.
4.1.6 Context in IDP of City of Cape Town;
 Wetlands are a major focus area, and several nature reserves (Rondevlei,
Seekoeivlei, Kenilworth, Raapenberg, Die Oog) and national parks (TMNP: Tokai,
Noordhoek, Silvermine) as well as the Constantia Green Belt contain Breeding
sites.
 Several Core Conservation areas (Kenilworth, Tokai, Rondevlei) are integral to
conservation of the Western Leopard Toad, and corridors and green belts
between these follow wetlands and rivers allowing for connectivity between these
sites.
4.1.7 Context in international agreements;
None. This is a local endemic that is not traded, and as far as is known, not
regularly kept as a pet.
4.1.8 Context in any other plans;
No other plans impinging on the Western Leopard Toad are known.
4.1.9 Status in terms of NEMBA, IUCN Red Data List, CITES, provincial
ordinances;
 Because the Leopard Toad is not subject to a restricted activity it does not qualify
for species protection under NEMBA.
 It does not qualify for ecosystem protection under NEMBA because most of its
foraging habitat is urban areas. Although Cape Flats Sand Fynbos is listed as
Critically Endangered under NEMBA, the natural remnants within the Western
Leopard Toad’s range are already under conservation.
 It is listed as globally and regionally Endangered (B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)) in
the IUCN Red List.
 As it is not traded it is not relevant to CITES.
 The species is legally protected under Schedule 2 of the Nature Conservation
Ordinance 19 of 1974. What does this say?
 All new development applications triggering the listed activities (GN. No. R386 &
R387 of 21 April 2006) in terms of NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) will be evaluated by
the IEM components. LUPO applications on appeal and undelegated LUPO
applications. DEA&DP also have a forward planning division which are involved
in forward planning documents.
 Land Use Planning Ordinance, No. 15 of 1985
In terms of section 36, when Council assesses planning applications, regard must
be given to the preservation of the natural environment.
In terms of section 42, Council may impose conditions of approval for planning
applications.
4.1.10 If not NEMBA listed, why does the species qualify for “special
conservation concern”?;
The species is listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List classification. The
nature of the threats (road kills; wetland destruction, and urban development)
require national coordination, although implementation is by local and national
conservation authorities, with extensive volunteer involvement and property owner
support. As such it is an ideal flagship species for the conservation of many other
threatened animal species and ecosystems.
4.1.11 Cultural conservation status;
None known.
4.1.12 Motivation for assigning priority for this BMP-S;
This flagship species effectively directly promotes the conservation of at least 5
other frog species, 1 mammal species (details below) and promotes eco-friendly
gardening practices. Its reach extends beyond its immediate conservation, being
ideal for fostering public awareness and continued involvement in conservation
issues, from alien plants, eco-friendly urban management, and eco-friendly
gardening. It thus spans the entire range from urban planning, road verge and
green belt maintenance to the man in the garden, uniting them in awareness and
connecting nature from the reserves into the urban gardens. As a potential Public
Relationship exercise and urban conservation awareness campaign this project has
no equal.
4.1.13 Any existing BMP-S for this species or related species, or for species that
might be adversely impacted or affected by the management of this species.
There are no existing BMP-S for Western Leopard Toads or any other similar
species in the region. As far as can be ascertained at present, no indigenous
species will be adversely affected by actions involving Western Leopard Toads – in
fact, the opposite is true.
4.2: Species Details:
Synopsis:
Western Leopard Toad Westelike Luiperdskurwepadda
Amietophrynus pantherinus
Also known as the August Frog (it breeds in August forming large aggregations in pools), Snoring
Toad (the loud breeding call of the males) and Panther Toad.
Status: Endangered with extinction due to small area of distribution and small world locality,
with fragmentation and loss of distribution, localities, habitat, habitat quality and populations.
Size: up to 140 mm long (snout to vent).
Description: A toad with warts and parotid (ear) glands. Chocolate brown patches on a bright
yellow background, symmetrically paired, with a yellow stripe down the backbone. Parotid
glands pink-brown to red. Undersurface granular and creamy. Males have a darker throat.
Similar species: Raucous Toad – the dark patch behind the eyes forms a bar across the head, no
snout patches. Karoo Toad – asymmetrical patches on a tan background. Sand Toad – paired
patches on the snout and behind eyes and no bright yellow background, but yellow upper feet.
None of these three is a Red List species.
Call: A deep pulsed rolling snore. Calls restricted to breeding pools.
Range: Cape Flats of Cape Town from Observatory to Philippi and Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Hout
Bay. Also from Stanford to Buffeljarsvlei on the coastal flats.
Breeding: An “explosive” breeder: tens to thousands of frogs congregate on selected breeding sites
for 1-2 weeks in July to September, usually August related to the first warm post-winter
weather. Males form calling aggregations in deep pools – which attracts the females.
Gelatinous strings of 10 000-25 000 eggs are laid.
Life cycle: Hatching occurs in 1-2 weeks. Tadpoles are bottom dwelling and feed on algae.
Metamorphosis takes 10-12 weeks. In October to December thousands of 11 mm long toadlets
leave the pools and disperse to feeding sites. Maturity is reached after 4-5 years.
Habitat: Breeding – pools and rivers with standing open water over 500mm deep and fringing
vegetation. Non-breeding - dry sandy and loamy soils with Fynbos (or Strandveld) – now
largely restricted to suburban gardens, resting in drains and compost heaps. Distribution limited
to 5 km around breeding sites.
Threats: 1. Habitat loss due to urbanization. 2. Alien fish and infestation of aquatic weeds in
breeding sites, and alien plants drying out catchments. 3. Obstacles to movement such as road
gutters, boundary walls, large buildings, canals, storm water drains – that stop toads and toadlets
moving to and from breeding pools. 4. Road mortality during breeding migrations.
Action for the public: 1. Join Toad rescue groups in August to count and help toads across
obstacles (roads and canals). 2. Put up “Beware Frogs Crossing” on roads around breeding
pools in August with Toad rescue groups. 3. Ensure garden walls have frog “gates” at ground
level (100x100 mm) at least every 10 m (see Appendix 12.7 Building Plan requirements). 4.
Place frog perches on swimming pools during the toadlet dispersal period. 5. Do not use
pesticides (snail bait, insect poisons) in your garden if you can help it.
Action for authorities 1. Keep urban green belts - do not allow them to be mowed during the
breeding periods and toadlet emigration periods (see Appendix 12.5 Mowing MoU). 2. Protect
breeding pools from development, hard edging, pollution and alien invader plants. 3. Install
toad safe storm water drains. 4. Aiding land owners with breeding sites with clearance of aliens
and keeping areas alien free. 5. Safeguarding catchments for water in breeding sites.
4.2.1 Taxonomy, including subspecific and genetic information:
Originally described as Bufo pantherinus A. Smith in 1828, the genus Bufo was
subdivided in 2006 (Frost et al, 2006) and the species assigned to the genus
Amietophrynus (named for French herpetologist Amiet and the Greek for toad). For most
of the 20th century it was regarded as an allopatric population of B. pardalis (Hewit, 1935),
separated from the latter by a distance of about 300 km. Poynton and Lambiris (1998)
resurrected the status of B. pantherinus as a full species on the basis of colouration,
markings and morphological differences between the two populations, using the earliest
published name.
Eick et al. (2001) found greater genetic divergence between A. pantherinus from the
Western Cape and A. pardalis from the Eastern Cape than within either area, and agreed
that B. pantherinus is specifically distinct from A. pardalis. However, Cunningham and
Cherry (2000) found only 0.5% divergence between the species and asserted that the
species represented distinct lineages.
While the advertisement call of A. pardalis (in the Eastern Cape) has been described
(Passmore, 1977b), an adequate comparison of the calls of A. pardalis and A. pantherinus
has not been published (Poynton and Lambiris, 1998). Thus the taxonomic status of the
two populations needs to be fully resolved.
A. pantherinus females attain a snout-vent length of about 140 mm, the males being
15% smaller. The beautiful dorsal pattern of chocolate-brown patches with a bright yellow
or black margin on a grey background, usually with a yellow vertebral stripe, distinguishes
this species from the partially sympatric Raucous Toad A. rangeri that has generally dull
brown dorsal markings, and Gutteral Toad A. angusticeps that, in this area, has a greyish
dorsal surface covered in dark brown blotches, and yellow colouring on the upper surfaces
of its feet. The ventrum of A. pantherinus is granular and cream coloured, with a darkish
throat in males.
The advertisement call, a deep, pulsed snore, easily distinguishes A. pantherinus
from all other sympatric toad species.
Common Names: Western Leopard Toad, August Frog, Cape Bullfrog, Leopard Toad,
Panther Toad; Afrikaans: Westelike Luiperdskurwepadda;
Differences between adults of the
Western Leopard Toad and other Toads
Amietophrynus pardalis: It is very difficult to distinguish between these two species other
than by their distribution. The Eastern Leopard Toad often has the dark bar between
the eyes crossing the yellow vertebral line.
Amietophrynus gutturalis: The Guttural Toad has a red infusion on its legs, and pairs of
dark markings on the snout creating a counterpoint pale cross. The deep, pulsed snore
accelerates. It has been introduced into the Constantia area and is spreading.
Amietophrynus rangeri: The Raucous Toad has the dark markings between the eyes fused
into a cross. It is an olive-grey toad with dark patches symmetrical across the back.
The call is duck like, kwaa-kwaa, repeated continuously. It has been moved westwards
by the nursery industry, but co-occurs with the Western Leopard Toad at Agulhas.
Differences between tadpoles of
Western Leopard Toad and commoner sympatric species
Tadpole identification requires a microscopic examination of the mouthparts.
Colour: WLT tadpoles are very dark (dark brown to black), other conspecific
tadpoles tend to be brown or transparent. Shape: WLT tadpoles have a round body
(when viewed from above), while others have tear-drop shape or triangular, Tail
Length: WLT tadpoles have a very short tail, approximately 1.5 times the length of
their bodies.
Toad tadpoles are generally small (less than 25mm long), bottom dwelling, with a broad
gap in both the upper and lower oral papillae, a nostril diameter less than half the
eye length, tail muscles paler below, and the fin ending in a rounded tip. The eggs
are laid in strings.
Western Leopard Toad tadpoles are difficult to identify from other toad speceis. It differs
from the Guttural Road which has dark pigmentation over most of the dorsal three
quarters of the tail. It differs from the Raucous Toad which has the front of the tail
paler on the underside. These differences are subtle.
4.2.2 Distribution, migratory patterns, habitat requirements, biology and ecology;
Distribution:
A. pantherinus is endemic to the winter-rainfall region of the Western Cape. It has a
restricted distribution range that spans a distance of about 140 km, from the Cape
Peninsula (3318CD, 3418AB) in the west, eastward to beyond Gansbaai in the
Buffeljagsbaai area (3419DA). The species has a distinctly coastal distribution and is
generally associated with low-lying areas within about 10 km of the sea. Its distribution
correlates with large wetland areas, including rivers, and an annual rainfall of ≥600 mm.
Map 1: The distribution of the Western
Leopard Toad in the Western Cape
Province during 2003 based on the Frog
Atlas records. Solid squares are recent
Atlas records also containing museum
specimens. Dots are museum specimens
where toads were not recorded by
atlassers. The shaded square is a new
atlas record. Source: De Villiers 2003.
Map 2: The distribution of the Western Leopard Toad as currently understood. Update
The earliest distribution records of A. pantherinus were obtained from the Cape Peninsula
and adjoining southwestern part of the Cape Flats (3318CD, 3418AB, BA). This area has
also produced the most distribution records, including the following localities: Observatory,
Valkenberg, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Sun Valley, Fish Hoek, Clovelly, Kalk Bay, Kommetjie,
Glencairn, Klaasjaagersberg (Cape of Good Hope section TMNP), Scarborough,
Constantia, Bergvliet, Tokai, Diep River, Kirstenhof, Lakeside, Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei,
Southfield, Ottery, Philippi, Strandfontein and some neighbouring areas.
Although Poynton (1964) recorded A. pantherinus occurring on the Cape Flats in grid
cell 3318DC, no further records are known from this area. The mapping of this grid cell
represents Poynton’s interpretation of South African Museum specimens from the “Cape
Flats”. The species is more likely to have been recorded from the Cape Flats area
immediately to the south, situated in grid cell 3418BA where there are known former and
current localities. Anecdotal evidence from Faure in 2000 has not been verified.
In the coastal region to the southeast, A. pantherinus has been recorded from Pringle
Bay and Betty’s Bay (3418BD, last recorded in 1999), Kleinmond (3419AC, last recorded
in 1978), Hermanus and Stanford (3419AD, last recorded in 1971 and currently known,
respectively), Gansbaai, Baardskeerdersbos and Uilenkraalsmond (3419CB, all atlas
records), Pearly Beach area (3419DA, atlas records), and the Ratel River/Rietfontein in
the Agulhas National Park (confirmed NatConCorp 2009).
Anecdotal records (including some photographs) have been recorded from, Breede
River Mouth, Swellendam, and Vermaaklikheid(De Villiers, pers records), but these have
never been verified and are suspected of being other toad species or possibly Western
Leopard Toads accidentally transported by vehicles.
In summary, the Western Leopard Toad has been recorded from eight quarterdegree grid cells. Since 1995, it has been found in six of these cells of which 3419CB
represents a new record.
Habitat – foraging:
Map 2. The distribution of the Western
Leopard Toad in Cape Town based on its foraging
habitat (all known georeferenced records and
sightings). Roads, contours and vegetation types
on the background. The 1 km (mauve), 2 km (light
green) and 5 km (green) surrounds to all sightings
are shown.
The Western Leopard Toad is mainly
associated with sandy coastal lowlands but, in
places, can also be found in valleys and on the
lower mountain slopes and hills near the coast.
Most of its range is tied to Cape Flats and Hangklip
Sand Fynbos and ecotonal areas to Cape Flats
Strandveld.
A wide-ranging species that, although it
seems to spend most of its time away from water,
is usually found in the general vicinity of wetland
habitats such as rivers, coastal lakes, vleis and
pans. It is not known how far adults forage from
breeding sites: ranges of 1-2km are accepted, but
anecdotal evidence and other toads with similar
breeding systems may range as far as 5km from
breeding sites. Although unproven, it is widely
believed that adults are highly site specific and
return to their previous foraging sites and even
sleeping holes each year (if so, it is the only toad
known to exhibit such behaviour).
Toads
translocated from their foraging sites have been reported to return within a few days
covering several km. Most movement and feeding is done at night.
Table: Vegetation types of foraging habitat and breeding ponds, ranked by 1 km areas.
Vegetation type
Cape Flats Sand Fynbos
Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos
Cape Flats Dune Strandveld
Peninsula Granite Fynbos
Hangklip Sand Fynbos
Agulhas Limestone Fynbos
Peninsula Shale Renosterveld
Overberg Dune Strandveld
Cape Lowland Freshwater
Wetlands
Overberg Sandstone Fynbos
Elim Ferricrete Fynbos
Agulhas Sand Fynbos
Cape Winelands Shale Fynbos
Southern Coastal Forest
Cape Coastal Lagoons
Cape Estuarine Salt Marshes
Cape Seashore Vegetation
Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Proportion of total area within
distance to known sightings
1 km
2 km
5 km
28%
15%
7%
18%
17%
15%
16%
10%
8%
12%
7%
4%
10%
2%
0%
5%
4%
9%
4%
1%
1%
2%
2%
4%
2%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1%
1%
1%
1%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
4%
3%
1%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Proportion of total area within
distance to 2010 breeding sites
1 km
2 km
5 km
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Western Coastal Shale Band
Vegetation
TOTAL AREA:
0%
12 909 ha
0%
35 610 ha
0%
84 300 ha
0%
5 824 ha
0%
18 133 ha
0%
62 129 ha
It inhabits the Fynbos and Thicket biomes where it is found predominately (5 km of
recorded sites) in the following vegetation types: Sandstone Fynbos (15%), Limestone
Fynbos (9%), Dune Strandveld (8%) and Sand Fynbos (8%), although at 1km radius Sand
Fynbos comprises 39% of the area.
However, the species is not restricted to pristine natural habitats and is often found in
modified habitats such as farmlands, urban open spaces and suburban gardens. Breeding
has also been recorded in wetlands with a degree of pollution and eutrophication.
Habitat – breeding:
This species generally breeds in permanent water bodies but also in seasonal
wetlands that retain their water well into the summer months. Breeding habitat includes
coastal lakes, vleis, pans, dams, ponds and sluggish, meandering rivers that have
stretches of relatively deep, still water. Typical breeding sites have standing open water
deeper than 0.5m, with scattered patches of aquatic plants and beds of emergent
vegetation such as bulrushes Typha capensis. Alien invasive species do not seem to
restrict breeding as long as open water remains available.
Breeding sites occur (as calculated
for 5 km surrounding breeding records) in
Fynbos and Thicket biomes in the
following vegetation types: Strandveld
(15%), Sandstone Fynbos (15%), Sand
Fynbos (14%), and Limestone Fynbos
(12%), although at 1 km surrounding areas
Sand Fynbos comprises 43% of the area.
It is assumed that toads show the
same specificity to breeding sites as they
show to foraging sites, but it has been
assumed that translocated animals will not
readily use alternative sites for breeding
when these exist.
Map 3. The distribution of the Western
Leopard Toad breeding sites on the
Peninsula.
The grey areas are
transformed
by
urbanization
and
agriculture.
The circles around the
breeding sites are the 1 km (yellow), 2 km
(light green) and 5 km (green) surrounds.
REDO
Map 4. The distribution of all known current (with breeding within the last 10 years)
Western Leopard Toad breeding sites. Solid dots are confirmed breeding sites and stars
are non-breeding records. The circles around the breeding sites are the 1 km (yellow),
2 km (light green) and 5 km (green) surrounds. Contour lines are shown for relief.
Life history
The Western Leopard Toad is an explosive breeder with a short, defined breeding
season largely confined to August (Cherry 1992), but with records from the end of July to
early in September. At the commencement of the breeding season, large numbers of
adults emerge and converge on localized breeding sites. For example, after dark on 23
July 1978, 66 adults were counted within 20 minutes on a 3 km stretch of road near
Noordhoek on the Cape Peninsula.
At prime breeding sites, advertisement calls of males can be heard in choruses of up to 30
individuals (rarely up to 200), but in urban environments far fewer individuals are usually
heard. At Die Oog (Bergvliet) several hundred males call annually and continuously (day
and night) for around a week. The noise has been likened by residents to a jet aeroplane
taking off (Measy, pers. obs). Calling is most intense at night but is sometimes heard
during the day. Males call from stands of emergent vegetation (e.g. bulrushes), but at
night, areas of open water are also utilized. The males have a habit of calling from a
floating position with limbs outstretched.
Amplexing pairs may utilize areas of open water for spawning (Cherry 1992),
although they seem to prefer vegetation for spawning.
The females deposit thousands of eggs in gelatinous strings. On one occasion a
female was reported to have produced 24 476 eggs (Rose 1929). Metamorphosis is fairly
slow, taking over 10 weeks. The relatively small, dark, benthic tadpoles develop into tiny
11mm long toadlets that leave the water in October–December in their thousands.
Relatively few of the offspring – typically less than 1% - develop into adults: most
fall victim to a variety of predators (including their own kind) and other hazards. Toads
breed at 2 years of age (Cherry & Vieiliot, 1992).
Adults appear to aestivate over summer, although in moist gardens they are
probably active throughout the year. Adults live for 1.9 years (males) to 3.2 years
(females), and specimens of 3 years (males) and 6 years (females) have been recorded
(Cherry & Vieiliot, 1992).
4.2.3 Any ex situ populations and their status;
No viable ex situ populations are known.
4.2.4 Species’ role in the ecosystem e.g. umbrella, keystone, flagship,
mutualisms and dependencies;
Apart from tadpoles that live in wetlands for 2-4 months, most of the adults live in
urban and suburban areas. In these gardens they are major consumers of garden
pests. Apart from their dependence on wetlands for breeding, they are quite
catholic in their requirements.
 As a flagship species this is unparalleled on the urban-rural interface, bringing
nature from the wilds into the urban garden, and creating an awareness of the
threatened nature of Cape ecosystems, and the City of Cape Town as a
Biodiversity Megadisaster area.
 As an umbrella species it can assist in the protection of the following species
within the City of Cape Town:
 Amblysomus corriae Fynbos Golden Mole - Near Threatened;
 Breviceps gibbosus Cape Rain Frog – NT LC?;
 Cacosternum capense Cape Caco –NT LC;
 Capensebufo rosei Roses Mountain Toad – Vulnerable (overlapping at
Silvermine);
 Microbatrachella capensis Micro Frog - Critically Endangered;
 Xenopus gillii Cape Platanna - Endangered;
In addition, it will serve to highlight the conservation of the following NEMBA
threatened ecosystems:

Cape Flats Sand Fynbos – Critically Endangered (breeding and foraging
habitat), with over 50 endemic plant species and 108 threatened Red List
plant species;
 Cape Flats Strandveld – Near threatened (foraging habitat);
 Peninsula Granite Fynbos – Endangered (foraging habitat);
Cape Flats Wetlands - ??
4.2.5 Known diseases;
The Western Leopard Toad Flatworm Eupolystoma anterorchis was found by
Tinsley (1978) in the bladders of specimens imported to UK from Noordhoek: The
genus is adapted to explosive breeders, but does not appear to harm the toad.
Most Eupolystoma species are toad specific, so this species is probably confined to
the Western Leopard Toad. During 2007 Delport and du Preez (pers. comm.)
sampled 108 road casualties and found no E. anterorchis. If this species is
confined to the Western Leopard Toad then it may well be a threatened species. At
this stage it should be regarded as Data Deficient.
4.2.6 Population statistics and trends;
The distribution and conservation status of A. pantherinus is monitored by the
Western Cape Nature Conservation Board (De Villiers 1997a).
Table: Current known breeding sites and population estimates of the Western
Leopard Toad
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Locality
Meta population
Peak size of breeding population
Varsvlei
Hout Bay/Disa River
Nooitgedacht
Ottery: The Woods
Clovelly Country Club
Dassenberg
De Goode hoop
Hazelwood Park
Bergvliet
Crest Way
Lakeside
Louwsvlei
Raapekraal
Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary
Sandvlei
Sandvlei Station
Wessex
Kleinmond
Pringle Bay
Stanford
Chris Carsten
Grootbos
Byeneskraans
Baardskeerdersbos
Pen. North
Pen. West
Pen. East
Pen. East
Pen. Fish Hoek
Pen. Fish Hoek
Pen. Fish Hoek
Pen. Fish Hoek
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Pen. Main
Hangklip
Hangklip
Stanford
Gansbaai
Gansbaai
Gansbaai
Gansbaai
Uncertain
10s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
100s
100s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
10s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
10s
10s
100s
100s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
Extinct
Extinct
10s
10s
10s
Uncertain 10s/100s/1000s/10000s
100s
Last
recorded
breeding
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
1978?
1978?
Current
Current
Current
Current
Current
ANY OTHERS
Flower Valley
UPDATE 113 PONDS: 69 sites
Overstrand
10s
Current
4.2.7 Threats;
There appears to be no obvious decline in the extent of occurrence of A pantherinus
within the Cape Peninsula (despite assertions in the literature based on assumptions of
wetland destruction), but east of False Bay certain populations appear to be in decline,
with two recorded breeding populations extinct. However, urban development has
resulted in permanent loss of habitat and the fragmentation of populations, especially on
the Cape Peninsula and Cape Flats, although it is possible that gardens are more benign
than the summer-arid Sand Fynbos. In other areas, habitat degradation has affected
habitat quality and probably led to a decline in population numbers.
The IUCN Red List status of Endangered (Harrison et al. 2001) is based on an extent
of occurrence of 1963 km2, an area of occupancy ?<figure><500 km2, a severely
fragmented habitat and inferred or suspected (but not confirmed) continuing decline in the
extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, extent and quality of habitat and the number of
locations/subpopulations and mature individuals.
The Western Leopard Toad is threatened throughout most of its range by general
development and habitat degradation. While breeding generally takes place in larger, more
secure wetlands, urban development poses an obvious threat around these wetlands by
causing habitat fragmentation and restricting the foraging area and movement of toads.
This may result in reduced population size and restricted or completely interrupt gene flow
between populations, but genetic data do not support such a view (Ref).
In the urban environment, toads are forced to negotiate roads and barriers (e.g.,
walls, embankments, canals) while foraging and migrating to and from breeding sites.
Expanding urban development and increased road traffic results in the death of hundreds
of toads each year, especially during the breeding season. Artificial water bodies with
steep vertical sides, such as canalized rivers and swimming pools, represent additional
deathtraps that pose a threat to local populations. For example, over 3000 newly
metamorphosed toadlets were rescued from a Bergvliet domestic swimming pool over a
10-day period, and many more died in the same pool in December 199? (J.A. Harrison
and C.D. Gray pers. comm.).
At certain breeding sites on the Cape Peninsula and the Cape Flats, specific threats
include pollutants, introduced predatory fish (e.g. barbel), and invasive floating plants that
eliminate breeding habitat (e.g. water hyacinth). The effect of pollutants and introduced
predatory fish on the development of eggs and tadpoles requires further investigation.
Barbel may decimate an entire year’s population of tadpoles (Gibbs 19??, Measey, pers.
obs.)
In 1999, a well-meaning member of the public “rescued” several specimens of A.
pardalis and A. rangeri from roads near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, and released
them in Constantia, Cape Peninsula (M. Burger pers. comm.). This misguided act may
have brought about hybridization between A. pardalis and A. pantherinus, thereby
undermining genetic differences between the two taxa. Such translocations may be
common occurrences and pose a real threat to the conservation of genetic diversity.
Where identified these hybrid populations must be eradicated as a matter of priority.
The attractiveness of A. pantherinus and its threatened status may warrant inclusion
on the CITES list to protect the species against possible illicit trade. However, it breeds
easily and the large number of toadlets would result in easy propagation of large numbers
of hand-reared specimens, thus negating its rarity value and resulting in low demand. The
situation should be monitored.
4.2.8 Utilization:
In the past the species has been used for dissection and experimental purposes, with
exports to the UK known. However, this was discontinued in the 1970s.
4.2.1 Past conservation measures;
Although the Western Leopard Toad occurs in some of the protected nature areas
within its range, these generally lack suitable breeding habitat. In fact, most of the
protected areas in the southwestern Western Cape Province are located in montane
Sandstone areas, while 62% of A. pantherinus breeding habitat and 57% of its foraging
habitat (at 1 km surrounds) occurs lower down in unprotected Sand Fynbos (<1%
conserved) and Strandveld (13%). Zandvlei Nature Reserve (including the adjoining
Westlake Wetland Conservation Area) is one protected area with good breeding habitat,
but this area has insufficient foraging areas within the boundaries of the reserve, and is
stocked with predatory Barbel. Other statutory conservation areas that provide breeding
habitat include Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei nature reserves and Cape of Good Hope Nature
Reserve (unconfirmed), but the quality of this habitat is unknown.
In the municipal areas of the Cape Peninsula and Cape Flats, the Western Leopard
Toad is known to breed in certain public open space and green-belt areas and is often
encountered in surrounding gardens. These are important sanctuaries, but with increasing
development, road traffic and associated threats, the survival of local populations could be
threatened.
The species is legally protected by the Nature Conservation Ordinance 19 of 1974,
but is not listed by NEMBA or CITES.
4.2.2 Socio-economic:
o Use value of the species:
None known. Was used for dissections during the 1970s in the UK.
o Public awareness and knowledge:
A charismatic species, well known among interested locals. Several hundred
volunteers participate annually in the rescue of migrating toads from potential road
death. This is potentially a flagship species that could be known by every scholar
and homeowner within the City of Cape Town.
o Ecosystem goods and services:
A significant pest controller, eating grubs, slugs, snails, caterpillars, earthworms and
even mice – in fact anything that moves and is smaller than it. A must for any
ecofriendly garden within its natural distribution range.
o Community benefits:
Can be used as a job creation scheme for upgrading roads and stormwater systems
to make them toad friendly.
Already is a focus for hundreds of volunteers who give up their time and labour to
help the toads and toadlets across the roads and who monitor toad mortality.
o Cost analyses:
 During 2010 about 100? volunteers manned road verges carrying frogs
across roads, amounting to xx manhours of intervention. .
4.2.3 Research inventory and summary.
(See section 11.)
John and Atherton: references please!
4.3: Role players and planning methodology:
4.3.1 All role players and organizations involved in development and
implementation
see 4.1.1 and 9
4.3.2 Processes followed in drawing up the BMP-S;
A preliminary meeting (of invited stakeholders) took place on 4 June 2007 to
discuss Western Leopard Toad distribution ahead of the SANBI molecular study.
Following an obvious need during the 2007 mating season, a first stakeholders
meeting was called in October 2007 for a briefing meeting held in 7 November
2007. Some 42 participants (with 28 apologies), representing 6 NGOs, 2 National
Conservation Agencies (SANBI, SANParks), 2 Provincial Agencies (DEADP,
CapeNature), and 1 local Agency (CoCT & Overstrand Municipality) and 8
conservation scientists attended. At the meeting existing knowledge and actions
were compiled and summarized, additional Interested and Affected Parties were
identified, threats were prioritized and discussed, and a steering committee
appointed. Plans for a website and fundraising applications were made, and the
Biodiversity Managemant Action Plan initiated.
WLT-CC regular meetings & final stakeholder meeting April 2011?
4.3.3 All stakeholders;
<See Appendix 2.>
4.3.4 Outline of process followed for stakeholder consultation;
A preliminary meeting (of invited stakeholders) took place on 4 June 2007 to
discuss Western Leopard Toad distribution ahead of the SANBI molecular study.
Following an obvious need during the 2007 mating season, a first stakeholders
meeting was called in October 2007 for a briefing meeting held in 7 November
2007. From this a steering committee was elected, who compiled and edited the
first draft of the Management plan.
TO DO: During March 2011 the proposed Management Action Plan was circulated
for comment. Notice of the proposed plan and a second stakeholders meeting in
April were advertised in local newspapers and on the web,. Comments were
compiled and circulated to all interest and affected parties.
4.3.5 Nature of agreements that will need to be/have been developed with
implementers of the BMP-S; and,
<to come>
4.3.6 Reference to all relevant documents, agreements and policies, which will be
appended to the BMP-S (as appendix 1);
<to come>
5: Aim of the plan.
Cape Town Metropole:
At this stage knowledge of the Western Leopard Toad is largely confined to the greater
Cape Town area.
The plan aims to achieve the following:
 Immediately identify the known and largest Breeding sites (by December 2008) for
immediate action by volunteers by June 2009. This has been accomplished.
Ongoing work to identify additional sites where they occur in private gardens and
cryptic localities.
 Map the known and projected foraging area of leopard toads by June 2009. Using a
1000 m buffer zone around breeding areas.
 Survey, secure and legally protect all major Breeding sites by 2012.
 For minor sites sign up property owners to ‘stewardship’ agreements. City of Cape
Town Biodiversity Stewardship agreement/award/badge of recognition. How many
gardens?
 Promote safe foraging habitat and make 90% of the foraging area toad friendly
within 1km of Breeding sites in urban and suburban Cape Town by 2015.
 Identify blackspots were undesirably high mortality rates occur on roads by 2009
and reduce mortality to acceptable levels by 2011 through volunteer participation
and by 2015 by toad-friendly road design.
 Identify and contact all private land-owners with major breeding sites on their
property. Promote dispersal within and to and from these sites with assured
safeguarding from land-owners by 2010. This has been accomplished.
 Ensure that toad-friendly alien water weed -, road verge - and open space maintenance are in place by 2009 and are being effectively practiced by 2010.
 Ensure that canals, stormwater systems and drains are toad-friendly by 2020.
Unrealistic – maybe we should say that prioritise sites that need to be connected
and facilitate toad-friendly connections/corridors.
 Ensure that every citizen in the Cape Metropole is aware of the plight of threatened
toads and wild animals and plants within the City of Cape Town by 2015 and is
aware of what he or she can do to help save them.
A central issue identified is the fragmentary nature of the available data and surveys. It is
crucial to amalgamate this date into a single accessible database. It has been proposed
that SANBI would do this within the SIBIS database.
Eastern subpopulations:
At this stage the action plan will only undertake research into the status of the populations
at Pringle Bay, Betties Bay, Kleinmond, Hermanus, Stanford, Gansbaai,
Baardskeerdersbos and Pringle Bay.
For these populations the distribution was mapped, breeding sites ascertained, and the
size of the breeding populations estimated. This was done during 2009 (Report), but will
be ongoing as more landowners become aware of the toads.
Pending the outcome of this research, the local Red Data List status and threats will be
ascertained by June 2013.
The plan for this area is the initiation of stewardship agreements to be done by 2011. This
will include the four largest breeding populations, excluding the single known population
within the Agulhas National Park, which is considered safe.
Eastern outliers:
The odd records of populations east of Agulhas will be followed up and investigated.
Where viable populations are found they will be included in surveys mentioned for the
Eastern subpopulations. However, it is likely that these may well be transitional
populations with the Eastern Leopard Toad, or isolated incidents of toads accidentally
transported from Cape Town. Detailed genetic work will be undertaken before including
these subpopulations in the Western Leopard Toad action plan, unless these
subpopulations are found to be highly threatened.
6: Threats and problems adversely affecting the Western Leopard Toad.
Threat
IUCN Code
Description
Magnitude
Traffic on roads
4.1 Roads &
railroads
By far the major known cause of deaths
of adult toads. Also a significant cause of
toadlet death.
Predation by
exotic fish &
birds
8.1 Invasive Alien
species
Wetland
destruction
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas &
7.2 Dams and
Water
Management/Use
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Road mortality is very localized in space to near the Breeding
sites and localized in time to adult movement to and from
Breeding sites, and toadlet emergence from the pools. Major
roads need to be handled differently from minor roads.
Barbel and Carp have become major predators in some of the
biggest breeding areas. These are known to eat the tadpoles
mid-way through their development. The threat of other exotic
fish must still be assessed (e.g. Banded Tilapia). Exotic water
fowl are also a known problem for tadpoles & eggs.
The destruction of Breeding sites by filling in and draining
wetlands, converting rivers to canals, and channeling of
stormwater into wetlands.
Solid barriers prevent toads and toadlets moving between
Breeding sites and gardens.
Most of the range of this species has been lost to housing
since the 1930’s. Housing and light industrial developments
continue to be a major direct threat to this species as well as
introducing many of the other threats mentioned herein.
Mowing has two aspects. Mowing in the migration period
results in massive mortality. Mowing – especially with
weedeaters - in safe-microsites (corners, drains, edgings)
kills adults all year round.
Steep sided culverts, drains and canals act as one way traps
funneling toads and toadlets to certain wetlands and
preventing access to others.
Walls and tall
barriers
Habitat
destruction
Mowing
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Drains & canals
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Culverts
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Curb stones prevent toads and toadlets from crossing roads
and often channel them away from Breeding sites.
24
Ra
nk
1
Although localized, this threat affects all
major breeding wetland sites and is likely
to be a recurrent threat as fish are
introduced by the public
2
Relatively controlled and stable on the
Cape Flats. A major threat in eastern
populations.
3
The magnitude of this problem is strongly
linked to adjacency to the Breeding sites.
Has already made major impacts on the
population, but could still cause significant
changes to particular populations.
4
Potentially as major a cause of deaths as
traffic, but relatively easily mitigated.
6
Adult toads have a high site fidelity and
return to sites. Trapped toads may have
to make major round trips to get back to
the area that they fell into the system.
Toadlets washed into stormwater systems
may experience high mortality
Very localized as a major threat to
adjacent the Breeding sites. A relatively
7
5
8
Threat
Eutrophication
& Water quality
IUCN Code
9.1 Household
Sewage & Urban
Waste Water &
9.3 Agricultural
and Forestry
Effluents
Description
Pollution, sediments, fertilizers, sewage and other runoff
increase nutrient levels in rivers and wetlands, resulting in
invasion of Typha and other invading species reducing the
area of deep water required by toads for breeding. Changes
in pH, siltation and poisons
Swimming pools 1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Pools, including ornamental pools, usually have steep sides
that prevent toads and toadlets from escaping
Unfriendly
gardens
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Aquatic Weed
Management
8.1 Invasive Alien
species
Pesticides, cats and dogs cause mortality. Paving,
concreting, house enlargement and densification destroys
habitat. Insecticides and pesticides destroy food sources and
poison toads. Lack of cover increases desiccation and
exposure to predators.
Dredging and scooping of aquatic alien and indigenous
growth in river and canal courses. This is localized in time to
the period between breeding and toadlet emergence.
Electric Fences
1.1 Housing and
Urban Areas
Lack of
knowledge
?
Often erected at entry and exit points – associated with
drainage were undesirable animals (otters, mongeese) access
fisheries and birding areas. Toads use these preferentially for
access to breeding sites. Sufficient height is needed to allow
clearance for pairs in amplexis.
Much crucial information for management is unknown (i.e.
how far do toads move from breeding sites?). Some of this
information (e.g. longevity, population and breeding
fluctuations) will require long time series to be of any use.
Magnitude
minor threat in residential areas where
driveways provide access points.
A relatively minor problem as it affects
toads only during the breeding season.
Toads appear quite resilient to these
influences.
However, major sewage spills into
breeding sites (e.g. following the 2006
power cuts) may have a significant effect.
A relatively minor cause of mortality easily
mitigated, but requiring extensive public
education and buy in.
Insidious as it destroys habitat without
much evidence of mortality.
Ra
nk
9
10
11
Dredging during the tadpole period can
eliminate entire generations from
Breeding sites and canals. Fortunately
very easily mitigated.
Locally significant, but restricted to a few
sites. Relatively easy to mitigate.
12
A major restriction on management, but
best tackled as a long-term project, using
data collected annually by volunteers
participating in the action plan.
14
13
7: Action Plan.
<Needed here are (under resources) the costs of each action.>
Threat 1. Traffic on roads
Desired Objective: Mortality of adults and toadlets during migration is reduced to a minimum.
Complicated by the fact that although migration only takes 1-3 days three times per year, and at night when traffic volume is usually
reduced, the actual dates are variable depending on the climate, and the circumstances under which traffic needs to be controlled most is
during wet weather at night when visibility and stopping distances are poor. Permanent safe crossings are ideal but are very expensive
(R??? per crossing), but can perhaps be accommodated most easily during the next cycle of road surface maintenance at hot spots. In the
short term, the hot spots still need to be identified, but this should be relatively simple, although hot spots may well change through time as
populations fluctuate.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Identify
blackspots and
intensity of
mortality
1
Lead:
SANBI;
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB and
TMNP officers;
Implementation:
Volunteers
Initiation:
July 2008
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
December 2008
Meeting of
conservation
departments
with roads and
parks
departments of
city and province
to determine
common ground
2
Lead:
DEADP and
CoCT:BMB;
Implementation:
CoCT – roads
and sewage;
Provincial roads
Initiation:
January 2009
Duration:
4 months
Completion:
June 2009
Volunteers to
conduct surveys;
Coordination by
SANBI via local
authorities; Web
resources to
collate collected
data;
Rank blackspots
and ensure
worst are
manned
Positive:
public
participation and
awareness;
reduced toad
mortality;
Negative:
traffic flow,
volunteer safety;
major traffic
routes affected –
conflict when
Chapmans Peak
road closed
City and
Positive:
Provincial
Awareness
authorities to
among roads,
meet a few times river and open
space
authorities;
Negative:
Possible
resistance to
Web access to
data;
Participation
acknowledgement;
Good
opportunities for
publicizing activity
Number of toad and
toadlet deaths per night
per running kilometer for
each known breeding site
corrected for estimated
breeding population;
Number of Breeding sites
with mortality data.
Public pressure;
Conservation
compliance;
Publicity
Guidelines and MoU
between departments
regarding structures and
public participation;
An action plan to make
blackspots safe for toads
in terms of:
Road structures;
Road signage;
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
outside
interference
Major roads:
Toad barriers
and channels at
blackspots
Speed
restrictions and
temporary
calming
measures during
migration
Minor roads
Temporary
Signage:
legislation
requirements
and obtaining
approval and
guidelines on
what is allowed
3
Lead:
DEADP and
CoCT:BMB;
Implementation:
CoCT – roads;
Provincial roads:
Initiation:
June 2009
Duration:
5 years
Completion:
June 2014
Major road
works required
4
Lead:
CoCT:BMB;
Implementation:
CoCT – roads;
Provincial roads
Volunteers;
metro police
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
Permanent and
temporary
signage;
Temporary
calming cones
and barriers;
volunteers
5
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT – roads;
Provincial roads
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2008
City and
Provincial
authorities to
meet a few times
Indicators
Deployment of temporary
signs and posters;
Temporary partial road
closure and speed
restrictions
Timing of mowing;
Timing of dredging;
Positive:
Safe crossing for
toads;
Negative:
Possible
reduced traffic
speeds required
Positive:
Safe crossing for
toads;
Safe
environment for
volunteers
moving toads
Negative:
Reduced traffic
speeds and flow;
danger to
volunteers
Public pressure;
Target
incorporated into
City conservation
goals and reports
Number of blackspots
exceeding mortality
threshold with channels
and without, with 0 by
2014; mortality rates at
blackspots.
Public pressure;
Toad mortality;
Publicity
Number of blackspots
exceeding with effective
calming measures during
migration events: an
annual summary; Number
of metro police involved in
programme; number of
volunteers active;
Mortality rates at
blackspots;
Numbers of toads moved.
Positive:
Acceptable
guidelines;
Identified
channels for
approval;
improved
deployment;
Reduced policing
of signs Compliance with
regulations;
Uniform signage;
Less conflict
between
volunteers and
MoU between CoCT and
road authorities regarding
temporary signage;
Clear guidelines and
procedures available;
Identified authorities with
contact details available
to be posted on website
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
and who can
give authority to
implement
Traffic calming
measures
6
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Supervision:
Traffic police
Implementation:
Local volunteer
groups
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
Temporary
signage;
Barriers and
cones;
Lights and police
attendance;
Vehicles with
lights and
decals;
Safety clothing;
Volunteers
Public
Awareness and
participation
7
Coordination:
SANBI,
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
Professional
Agency and
Local volunteer
groups
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
Pamplets
Websites;
Maildrops;
Environmental
ducation;
Media releases;
Volunteers;
School teachers
New
development
applications
include
conditions in
approvals re:
8
Implementation:
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
?
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Safety;
Recognition;
Negative:
?
traffic officials;;
Ease and rapidity
of deployment
following
identification of
migrations;
Less accidents;
Less toad
mortality;
Public pressure;
Toad mortality;
Publicity;
and updated annually
Public pressure;
Toad mortality;
Publicity;
Number of volunteers
active during migrations;
Number of blackspots
manned;
Positive:
Safe crossing for
toads;
Safe
environment for
volunteers
moving toads
Negative:
Reduced traffic
speeds and flow;
danger to
volunteers
Positive:
Public
awareness,
support and
participation;
Negative:
Public boredom;
Unwanted
“junkmail”
?
?
Number of blackspots
exceeding with effective
calming measures during
migration events: an
annual summary; Number
of metro police involved in
programme; number of
volunteers active;
Mortality rates at
blackspots.
Numbers of toads moved.
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
design, signage,
public
awareness, etc.
Inappropriate actions: At no time should barriers be placed to prevent toads from crossing the road. Where no access is allowed,
mortality by toads relentlessly trying to get through will occur in the short term, and in the long term breeding will be reduced. Any local
barriers must be associated with safe crossing structures at appropriate intervals of about 100-200m.
Motorists aiming for toads, deliberately riding over toads, or carelessly riding over toads at signed blackspots should be stopped and fined.
Dummy toads could be used to ascertain if this really is a problem as alleged by some parties.
Notes:
1. Ongoing monitoring will be required to determine dates of migrations, and automated procedures are required to notify volunteers.
Neighbourhood watch groups should be enlisted to help spot starts of migrations.
2. Problems in the past include that migrations sometimes are noted on Friday nights when officials are off work and the entire migration is
completed before officials can be reached during office hours. Since weekend traffic is often bad at night, major mortality occurs before
official support can be obtained.
3. Signage should seriously consider stickers of “squashed toads” that can be placed on roads approaching blackspots. These need to be
traffic safe.
4. Indicators for ongoing actions should be posted on the SANBI website.
Threat 2. Predation by alien exotic fish
Desired Objective: Barbel and Carp have become major predators in some of the biggest breeding areas. These are known to eat the
tadpoles mid-way through their development. These species should be controlled where possible at the most significant breeding sites.
The obvious action of research into the effects of these aliens is dealt with under research.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Survey the
distribution and
abundance of
alien fish at
breeding sites
1
Lead:
CapeNature
Implementation:
CapeNature &
CoCT: BMP
Volunteers
Initiation:
September 2009
Duration:
Two months
Completion:
December 2009
CapeNature
teams exist
Positive:
Assess potential
of threat
Negative:
None
Publicity;
Public pressure;
Remove alien
fish by catching
2
Lead:
CapeNature
Initiation:
As required
CapeNature
teams exist
Positive:
Better breeding
Publicity;
Public pressure;
Estimated
populations of
alien fish at each
breeding site;
Number of
breeding sites
surveyed for
alien fish
Breeding sites
with alien fish at
Action
Rank Parties
and selective
poisoning (if
appropriate)
Time Frame
Implementation:
CapeNature &
CoCT: BMP
Resources
Impacts
Negative:
Indigenous and
important fish
killed;
Temporary
increased fly and
mosquito
populations
Incentives
Indicators
unacceptably
high population
levels
Inappropriate actions: Allow or encourage alien fish to be introduced into local waterways. Ponds on wine estates, golf courses, and
water features in shopping malls should be policed.
Threat 3. Wetland destruction
Desired Objective: All known significant breeding sites should be excluded from any future development. No significant breeding sites
should be lost. Wetland rehabilitation (dredging, deepening of canals and ponds, reforming edges) should not be undertaken between
breeding and toadlet emergence. Significant populations breed in ponds in Golf Courses and contractual agreements with these regarding
the future of these ponds should be explored.
Actions Needed: Significant breeding sites need to be identified and a data base maintained. All developments in and around these sites
that may negatively impact on the site require mitigation. Wetland rehabilitation in and near these areas may only be undertaken during
Summer and Autumn, from January to June.
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Lead:
Implementation:
New
development
applications Ask for specialist
studies when
necessary. Set
conditions of
approval.
Rectify illegal
infilling/destructi
on of wetlands.
1
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
2
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Initiation:
Duration:
Completion:
Ongoing
Positive
Negative
Action
Rank Parties
Restoration and
rehabilitation of
wetlands
following floods,
infilling and
erosion.
Golf Course and
other significant
private ponds
should become
parts of
stewardship
agreements.
3
CoCT: EMS
CoCT: roads
and sewage
4
CoCT: EMS
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Inappropriate actions:
Threat 4. Walls and tall barriers
Desired Objective: Walls and fences within 1km of all Breeding sites to be permeable to toads (including those in amplexis). This
requires that every 20m of wall or fence have at least one hole of 100mm diameter at ground level, that is not longer than 300mm. Open
gutters are suitable. This should be incorporated into planning requirements of all new developments and alterations to existing
developments. All applications within 1km of breeding sites and blackspots should be sent a copy of a toad leaflet with any proposals or
approved plans. A possible free service, where a contractor should go out and create the holes for the resident, should be investigated.
Automatic gates that do not have 50 mm clearance at ground level should be regarded as solid barriers.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Ensuring new
developments
and structures
requiring
building plans do
not impede toad
movements
1
Lead:
CoCT:BMB and
CoCT:EMS
Implementation:
CoCT:EMS;
Conservancies.
Reconfiguring
existing walls by
either opting for
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2008
Rollout:
Ongoing
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
CoCT policy to
be modified;
CoCT EMS to be
made aware;
CoCT EMS to
ensure plans
compliant.
CoCT policy to
be modified;
CoCT planning
Positive:
Increased
awareness;
Selling point;
Negative:
Yet another task
for CoCT
planning
Positive:
Increased
awareness;
Selling point for
sales;
Toad-friendly
Status
Proportion of
new
developments
that are
biofriendly
Rebates?;
Proportion of
walls within 1km
of Breeding sites
Action
Rank Parties
a palisade-type
fence or
installing toad
holes at 20m
intervals
CoCT: EMS;
Volunteers;
homeowners
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
6 months
Completion:
June 2008
Rollout:
Ongoing
to be made
aware;
CoCT planning
to ensure plans
compliant;
Volunteers
Negative:
Cost;
Hassle;
Yet another task
for CoCT
planning
Incentives
Indicators
and blackspots
that are toad
friendly;
Gardens with
toads
Inappropriate actions:
Notes:
1. Walls should preferentially have border of plants, and not a hard surface right up to their edge.
2. Law enforcement is perceived to be non-existent in places. Residents could report non-compliance to authorities.
Threat 5. Habitat destruction
Desired Objective: The Western Leopard Toad is now effectively an urban species. Populations in natural areas should be protected,
Outside of breeding significant populations occur in the Table Mountain National Park at Tokai, Silvermine and Cape Point; in the City
reserves of Raapenberg, Rondebosch Common, Rondevlei and Sandvlei; and in private reserves at Kenilworth. Other populations which
should be protected by including their areas within City conservation areas include Little Princess Vlei, Princess Vlei, Youngsfield and
Zeekoeivlei.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Inappropriate actions:
Notes:
Threat 6. Mowing
Desired Objective: Mowing of opens spaces usually peaks during spring and early summer, most especially the first hot spells when
growth may be phenomenal. Unfortunately, this often coincides with the departure of toadlets from the Breeding sites. Mowing is thus
contraindicated during the toad migrations, which is usually before the main growing season, and during toadlet emergence. Thus mowing
before August is acceptable as far as toads are concerned. After the toads have left the Breeding sites there is a window for mowing until
the toadlets leave the pools, when mowing within 1km radius of Breeding sites and hotspots should be suspended for at least a week.
Thus – coupled with allowing bulb and annual seed set, mowing should be suspended until the end of October. However, mowing should
cease for 1km radius from Breeding sites the moment toadlet migration is noted.
Mowing is far more toad and toadlet friendly if the grass it cut to a height of 100mm and not cut right to the ground, and higher cuts should
be used until the onset of the really dry season and most toads are aestivating.
Weedeaters are particularly bad in terms of killing toads and other animals. They also kill toads in gutters, corners, adjacent drains and
other such toad “hideouts”. In these areas weedeaters should always leave a 100mm stubble.
Even in some safe hideouts toads will emerge if the disturbance is prolonged: mowing should proceed in one direction and labourers should
not converge.
Apparently a moratorium on mowing from June to October is already in place around breeding sites.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Timing: no
mowing within a
week of any
migration within
1km radius of
Breeding sites
1
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: parks
Severity of
mowing: mowing
during the
breeding season
and until the
high fire season
should be at
least 100mm
above ground
level
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: parks
Initiation:
January 2007
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2007
Rollout:
Ongoing
Initiation:
January 2007
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2007
Rollout:
Ongoing
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Pamphlet to be
sent to parties
complaining
about unkempt
lawns
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Pamphlet to be
sent to parties
complaining
about unkempt
lawns
Positive:
Many other
plants and
animals will
benefit;
Negative:
Verges will
appear unkempt
Positive:
Many other
plants and
animals will
benefit;
Negative:
Verges will
appear unkempt
Public pressure;
Publicity;
Good reason
can be given for
delays;
Dates of mowing
to be collated by
CoCT:BMB and
GISed: the
proportion of
transgressions
should be noted
Public pressure;
Publicity;
Good reason
can be given for
delays;
Opportunistic
monitoring by
volunteers
Inappropriate actions:
Notes:
1. There is a conflict here as tightly mowed verges allow toads and toadlets to move much faster. However, toadlets especially are
exposed to desiccation and predation when moving through tightly mowed verges.
2. The city employs many contractors, and often during high season (October and November) these work on weekends to keep up with the
workload. Tighter compliance of contractors within 1km of Breeding sites is required, and all contractors should attend an annual refresher
course on the significance of toads and other fauna and flora in road reserves, verges and public open space. Contractors should be
encouraged to feedback their observations and feelings to CoCT:BMB.
3. River reserves: Grass and plants within 2m of any river or waterway should not be cut at all.
Threat 7. Drains & canals
Desired Objective: Steep banks of stormwater systems are a major barrier to toads and toadlets. It is imperative in toad foraging areas
that stormwater systems allow toads to escape and return to their foraging sites. It is not necessary to redesign or reconfigure systems
provided that suitably spaced escape areas are available. These should be spaced at least every 200m.
Canals, drains and culverts that potentially redirect toads from one breeding site to another, should be targeted for immediate action to
allow toads to escape.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
All stormwater
lines within
foraging areas
should have a
toad escape
route at least
every 200m.
1
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: roads and
sewage
New
development
applications to
include
conditions in
approvals re:
design.
2
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2008
Rollout
completion:
December 2015
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Action plan for
rehabilitation to
be formulated
with target dates
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: roads
and sewage
Publicity;
Public pressure
Running km of
stormwater
system that is
toad compliant
within foraging
areas.
Inappropriate actions: No further canals should be built or planned for – all stormwater systems should be planned in as natural state as
possible.
Notes:
1. Canals should have as little hard bottom as possible. Where possible fringing vegetation and riffle stones should be incorporated into
canals so as to lower predation and desiccation. Where possible canals should be replaced with contoured natural slopes. Canals should
be limited to areas where natural banks are not possible. Any development plan that proposes the canalization piping of a river should be
rejected.
2. Toad escape routes can include ladders and steps. These must be able to function as escapes during both high and low flows. Dams,
weirs and humps should be incorporated with ladders where ladders cannot function without them.
3. Drains with sumps should be avoided. Grids should be flush to prevent toads from falling in, being trapped or being crushed during peak
flows in sunken grids. Deep drains should have a proportion of drains (every 200m) with ladders or steps to allow animals to escape.
Threat 8. Culverts, curbstones and pavements
Desired Objective: Toads (but not so much toadlets, which can scale walls under moist conditions to over a metre) are severely
hampered by obstructions taller than 100mm. These constitute a major barrier that can impede migrations, cause exhaustion, result in
increased predation and mortality and channel toads to stormwater drains. They also keep toads on the roads for longer stretches and
times than is necessary and thus increase traffic deaths. (They can also profitably be used to maneuver toads to suitable crossing points
over roads and obstructions such as canals)
Whereas modifications are often trivial (such as placing pipes or steps against curbs, or replacing curbstones with smaller curbstones (less
than 50mm tall) or half-round gutters), authorities are reluctant to allow volunteers to interfere with road edges. Thus curbstone
modification should exclusively be done by local road authorities. However, these often take inordinately long to get effected, and
volunteers are often frustrated by the slow pace of action.
Toad-friendly curbs require that barriers such as curbstones should have easy scaleable flagstones every 100-200m. At blackspots and
breeding sites these may need to be more frequent, or curbstones should simply be removed and replaced with a toad-friendly alternative.
External funding should be raised to get a contractor to install these modifications as and where required. Depending on funding
availability areas could be prioritized. CoCT Roads and Stormwater will prefer a plan with a budget. Perhaps a “Toad friendly curb” should
be investigated?
In most urban and suburban areas, driveways provide adequate breaks in curbstones.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Identify
curbstones and
barriers within
1km radius
blackspots and
breeding sites
that impede
movement
Modify barrier
curbstones and
pavements in
identified areas
1
Lead:
Volunteers
Implementation:
Volunteers
Initiation:
January 2009
Duration:
Six months
Completion:
June 2009
Volunteers
Positive:
Assess potential
of threat
Negative:
None
Publicity
Number of
breeding sites
surveyed
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT:roads and
stormwater;
Contractors with
external
funding?
Initiation:
June 2009
Duration:
Two years
Completion:
June 2011
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Toad-friendly
curbstones,
channels and flat
drains already
exist and are
used elsewhere
Positive:
Wildlife able to
escape roads
easier
Negative:
Curbs more
easily scaleable
by offroad
vehicles and
parked cars;
Stormwater and
Publicity;
Public pressure;
Number of
breeding sites
without
curbstone
problems;
Toad mortality;
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Make part of
development
approval
process
Applications for
which WLT
catered for;
Compliance with
WLT
requirements in
developments
drainage
problems; Cost
implications
New
development
applications to
include
conditions in
approvals re:
design, signage,
public
awareness, etc.
3
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Initiation:
June 2009
Duration:
Two years
Completion:
June 2011
CoCT: EMS to
manage as part
of normal
development
applicatioin
process
Inappropriate actions: None noted.
Threat 9. Eutrophication and Water quality
Desired Objective: Western Leopard Toads are quite catholic in their environmental requirements. They tolerate much eutrophication,
siltation, invasive weeds both indigenous and alien, and pollutants. However, even they have their limits and waterbodies should be
maintained in a state in which Leopard Toads are able to annually breed in them.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Restrict and
contain sewage
outfalls
1
Prevent and
remove refuse
pollution and
dumping in
wetlands and
canals
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB &
general public
Implementation:
CoCT: Roads
and stormwater;
CoCT: Sewage
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: Roads
and stormwater;
Volunteers
Initiation:
Already ongoing
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Infrastructure
already
operative
Positive:
Public
awareness;
Negative:
Public
awareness
Publicity;
Public pressure
Number and
extent of sewage
outfalls
Initiation:
Already ongoing;
Volunteer
groups active
City departments
to meet a few
times;
Infrastructure
already
operative
Positive:
Public
awareness;
Less dumping;
Cost savings;
Volunteers
Negative:
Public not keen
Publicity;
Public pressure
Tons of rubbish
removed;
Number of
incidents
reported:
Number of
convictions
Action
Monitor water
quality for major
pollutants, heavy
metals and
poisons
Rank Parties
3
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: Roads
and stormwater
& CoCT:
Scientific
Services
Time Frame
Initiation:
Already ongoing
Resources
Impacts
to self police
City departments Positive:
to meet a few
Public
times;
awareness
Infrastructure
Negative:
already
?
operative
Incentives
Indicators
Publicity;
Public pressure
Breeding sites
that exceed city
standards for
pollution and
toxic materials
Inappropriate actions: None.
Notes:
1. Silvermine wetlands had 10 sewerage spills during 2004-2006 (L. Walter, pers. comm..) due to faulty warning systems on pump systems
Threat 10. Swimming pools, ornamental pools, water features and pet waterbowls
Desired Objective: Water features with high rims prevent adult toads from escaping. After a few hours of swimming they absorb too much
water and die. High levels of chlorine kill them over a shorter time period.
The solution is simple. Often merely leaving the weir cover off is sufficient to allow toads to escape. A ladder is required to allow toads to
climb out: this can comprise at the simplest level some netting dangling over the pool edge and anchored to the shore, to floating steps and
platforms anchored to the side.
Alternatively a “beach pool” with gently sloping sides, or a flush pool with water filled to the brim and spilling into side drains (provided
theses are toad safe) are acceptable solutions.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Create an
awareness of
the hazard of
pools to toads
and animals and
the simple and
elegant solution
1
Lead:
Volunteers
Implementation:
Volunteers;
CoCT: EMS
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
Continuous
Completion:
Ongoing
Volunteers;
Pamphlets;
Swimming pool
installers,
maintenance,
and repair
companies;
Pool retail
outlets;
Nurseries;
Companies
making toad
Positive:
For minimal
input an major
benefit;
An awareness
spreading to
other
waterbodies;
Negative:
Interventions are
unsightly or
unset the clean
Public
participation;
Toad-friendly
garden
campaigns;
Peer pressure;
Scholars;
Advertise
“Beach Pools”
as toad friendly
Pools with
ladders;
Number of toad
ladders on the
market
Action
New
development
applications to
include
conditions in
approvals re:
design.
Rank Parties
2
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
ladders;
Pamplet with
every pool plan
approved
sterility of the
pool
Incentives
Indicators
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Inappropriate actions: None obvious.
Notes:
1. Also a major source of mortality for Golden Moles which are also threatened.
Threat 11. Unfriendly gardens
Desired Objective: To create a large pool of toad-friendly and thus environmentally friendly gardens within the City of Cape Town, most
specifically in Western Leopard Toad foraging areas. These gardens should also serve as refugia for other animals and even plants, and
should spill over into public open space and road verges.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Increased
awareness
among
homeowners
1
Lead &
Implementation:
Volunteer
Groups and
NGOs
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
Annual
Completion:
Ongoing:
Annual School
competition1 and
Toad Day: 1st
2
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
Initiation:
June 2009
Duration:
Annual pamphlet
with July water
account;
Use Volunteer
network;
Kirtenbosch
Garden Fair;
Nurseries;
Professional
marketing
campaign
School teachers;
Volunteers;
Websites;
Positive:
Increased
awareness of
natural
ecosystems and
natural gardens
Negative:
Aliens less
desirable
Publicity,
Participation;
Status;
Peer pressure;
Involvement
Pamphlets
submitted;
Volunteer
numbers;
Positive:
Youth
awareness;
Competition;
Awards;
Publicity;
Participants in
Annual School
competition
Action
Rank Parties
August
Time Frame
CoCT:BMP;
Volunteers
Annual
Completion:
Ongoing
Initiation:
December 2008
Duration:
Annual
Completion:
Ongoing
Initiation:
June 2009
Duration:
Two years
Completion:
June 2011
Initiate a Toadfriendly status2
and competition
3
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
Toad-friendly
Committee
New
development
applications to
include
conditions in
approvals re:
design.
4
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Resources
Volunteers;
Time to visit
gardens;
Administration
secretariat
CoCT: EMS to
manage as part
of normal
development
applicatioin
process
Impacts
Incentives
Teacher support; Status
Adult
participation;
More volunteers;
Negative:
Confined to
southern
suburbs
Positive:
Publicity;
Awareness
Status
Negative:
Exclusion of very
small properties
and flats
Make part of
development
approval
process
Indicators
Number of
gardens with
Toad-friendly
status;
Applications for
which WLT
catered for;
Compliance with
WLT
requirements in
developments
Inappropriate actions: Translocation of unwanted toads out of gardens to wetlands or vacant lots. Euthanizing of unwanted toads or
toads implicated in “killing” domestic pets.
Notes:
1. Annual School competitions to focus on various aspects of toad ecology, but primarily on ecofriendly schools and homes.
2. Toad-friendly status: a label open to anyone who applies: must have a resident Western Leopard Toad, photographs of toad(s), register
of sightings with at least 3 sightings, low-pesticide gardens, some indigenous plants, some water-wise plants, at least one Red List plant
species, at least 20% of plot area under garden (not paved or house or pool), pool ladders, border plants along at least 5m of wall, at least
50% of perimeter barriers toad friendly; all cats with bird-bells (if applicable); and should also (not compulsory) have a compost heap,
recycle waste and belong to a wildlife club (i.e. member of Botanical Society, Cape Bird Club, Friends of …, Hack group, Ikapa Honorary
Rangers, Wildlife Society, etc.). Awards presented with certificate and decal (choice of brass toad door knocker, toad-“gnome” or toad
brass ornamentation, with “Toad-friendly garden year”), and valid for 5 years.
3. Jack Russel dogs appear to be particularly susceptible to being killed by toads – most other breeds do not persist in attacking toads after
tasting them.
Threat 12. Aquatic Weed Management
Desired Objective: While alien weed management, both involving dredging of rivers and canals to remove aliens (and silt and rubbish) and
the cutting down of emergent water plants, is an essential annual activity, it can be done without any damage to toad populations if
appropriate techniques and timing are implemented. Pest insect outbreaks and problem animal control fall within this heading.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Suitable
techniques are
deployed
1
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: roads
and sewage
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2008
No additional
resources to
those currently
in use;
City departments
to meet a few
times
Positive:
Toadlet survival
Negative:
Possible
increased cost;
perceived
interference
Public support;
Public pressure;
Publicity
Suitable timing:
No clearing of
any Breeding
site from July to
December;
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT: roads
and sewage
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
Schedules may
have be to be
realigned:
confined to
January to June.
Public support;
Public pressure;
Publicity
New and
3
restructured
waterways to be
biocompliant:
steep banks to
be less than
50% of edge and
suitable fringing
vegetation
present
Lead and
implementation:
DEADP;
CoCT: Planning
Initiation:
June 2008
Duration:
annual
Completion:
ongoing
Guidelines and
municipal
requirements for
stormwater
systems to be
biofriendly
Positive:
Publicity
Negative:
Scheduling
conflicts;
Perceived
inactivity and
untidy areas
Positive:
Proactive
guidelines;
Negative:
restrictions on
clearing
methods
deployable;
Environmental
officer on site;
Cases to
inappropriate
action;
Toadlet mortality
incurred;
Reed growth
100%
compliance –
number of
inappropriate
clearings;
Complaints of
unkemptness;
Proportion of
waterways that
are biofriendly
Inappropriate actions: Herbicides should never be used when there is water in the wetlands. Cleaning of breeding areas must not be
undertaken from July to December. No new waterways that are not biocompliant must be built.
Notes:
1. It is not clear what exactly is required in terms of techniques: the following guidelines seem appropriate:

Where possible canals and areas to be dredged or cleared should be done in blocks that are alternated between years, or patches of
channels left partially uncleared – the entire area or reach should not be totally cleared every year.
 It is not clear if manual clearing would be any better than mechanical clearing: this should perhaps be investigated;
 Where on site decisions about methods and extent are required an environmental officer should be on site at all times.
2. Areas regarded as unkempt can be defended and explained, with scheduled dates for clearing given, to any members of the public
complaining.
3. Where possible canals and stormwater channels should be designed with as gently-sloping an edge as possible.
4. Water hyacinth is particularly a problem at Fish Hoek-Clovelly.
Threat 12. Electric Fences
Desired Objective: Electric fences are fatal to toads that get stuck under them. The height of the lower fence should be at least 100mm
high, to allow toads in amplexis thoroughfare. Toads killed in amplexis are a particularly high loss, not only of a mating pair, but also of a
gravid female full of eggs. Alternatively, the lowest wire in the electric fence could be raised during the period when the adult toads are
moving to and from the breeding sites. This should apply to all electrical fences within 1km of known Breeding sites or blackspots.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Survey electric
fences within
1km of Breeding
sites or
blackspots
1
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
Volunteers
Electric fences
to be at least
100mm above
ground (perhaps
only during the
breeding
season)
2
Lead:
CoCT:BMB
Implementation:
CoCT:BMB
Volunteers
Initiation:
January 2009
Duration:
6 months
Completion:
June 2009
Initiation:
January 2010
Duration:
3 years
Completion:
June 2012
Volunteers;
List of
blackspots
Positive:
Awareness
Negative:
Publicity;
Involvement
Number of
blackspots and
Breeding sites
surveyed.
Volunteers:
CoCT extension
officers
Positive:
Awareness;
Lower mortality
Negative:
Percieved
interference;
Reduced
efficiency of
electrical fences
Rebates?;
Publicity;
Public pressure;
Status
Proportion of
electrical fences
toad compliant
at each Breeding
site
Inappropriate actions: Currently most electrical fences are high enough not to kill individual toads, and only toads in amplexis are really
affected. Lowering of the lowermost electrical strands should not be entertained or allowed: this affects not only toads, but also tortoises,
snakes and other wildlife.
Threat 14. Lack of Knowledge
Desired Objective: Several key aspects of the biology of the Western Leopard Toad are unknown.
Firstly how far east does it extend and how different are these to the Cape Flats subpopulations. are the different Breeding sites. It is vital
to know if the different Breeding sites on the Cape Flats comprise a single metapopulation or are discrete subpopulations with little genetic
interchange.
However, it is more urgent to determine how long toads live for, how far they move from their Breeding sites and what determines when the
breeding season occurs and when toadlets leave the pools. However, most of these questions require long-term data sets, so whereas
obtaining answers may require more than a decade of data, they must be initiated immediately.
Actions Needed:
Question
Rank Parties
Methodology
Resources and Time Frame
What is the status of the eastern
populations off the Cape Flats?
How far do toads move from breeding sites?
1
2
How long do toads live for and when do they 3
start breeding?
What are the determinants of breeding
activity? Can weather be used to predict
migrations?
4
SANBI:
Cape Nature
SANBI
SANBI
SANBI
R10 000 per year till 2012
Photographs of frogs at Breeding sites and
in suburban gardens can be posted on the
SANBI web site for statistical matching.
Although very low rates of return are
anticipated, sufficient data to determine
mean and maximum movement should be
forthcoming after a few years.
A few frogs can be radiotracked at R1500
per frog. To be effective at least 20 frogs
will have to be tracked, but this could be
reported on the web and frogs could be
“sponsored”
 Volunteers can submit photographs and
keep track of their toads. At least 10
years of data will be required for a
definitive answer.
 Toad fingers can be excised and bone
rings counted. This will require massive
sampling (> 150 toads) of at least 20
Breeding sites at R50 <too high> per
sample over two years.
At least 10 years of monitoring by
volunteers will be required before a
definitive answer can be achieved.
R50 000 per year till 2012
R30 000 per year
R10 000 per year till 2018
Analysis till 2009
R300 000
Salaries till 2009
R200 000
R15 000 per year till 2018
Question
Rank Parties
What is the genetic relationship between the
various Breeding sites?
5
SANBI
What are the population sizes associated
with the breeding sites and what proportion
of toads mate each year
6
SANBI
Is the caecal parasite associated with the
Western Leopard Toad extant?
Are exotic fish, such as Carp, predators on
eggs and tadpoles?
7
SANBI
8
Cape Nature
and CoCT: BMB
What is the diet of the Western Leopard
Toad
Does mowing during the breeding season
kill toads around breeding pools?
9
SANBI?
10
SANBI
Methodology
Tentative conclusions can be drawn
before then depending on how
determinate the mechanism is.
DNA from squashed toads can be used to
determine genetic relationships between
Breeding sites. Sampling is no problem,
but each analysis costs R75. At least 20
specimens from each of the 20 major
breeding sites and odd specimens beyond
will be required. Setting up the reference
library will cost R110 000.
Marc recapture;
Photography of toads;
Counts of calling, mating and migrating
toads;
Gut samples from squashed toads can be
extracted to look for the protozoan.
Catch fish and look at gut contents;
Compare tadpole populations in fish-free
and infested waters
Stomach contents analysis from road
killed specimens.
Survey of areas mowed during breeding
season for killed specimens
Resources and Time Frame
Setting up:
R110 000 till 2008
Analysis:
R40 000
Salaries: till 2009
R200 000
R100 000 per year to be
sampled – to be repeated ad
hoc, but initially for 5 years
R10 000 per year till 2010
R10 000 for one year
R10 000 for one year
R10 000 for one year
Inappropriate actions:
1, Assume that subpopulations can tolerate genetic mixing.
Notes:
1. Photographs submitted by amateurs to be high quality, with scale, top down, in focus. In gardens, each toad to be submitted only once
per year. On roads: every possible toad to be photographed, including flattened specimens.
2. It is assumed that SANBI will employ at least one postdoc Western Leopard Toad researcher for 5 years. Moneys for further students to
be obtained via the research network.
There is also a need to summarize what is known in a palatable form and distribute it via websites, videos, CDs, DVDs and pamplets to
various interest groups and volunteers for dissemination. This includes the data submitted during volunteer activities such as toad rescues,
counts, road mortality, volunteers active and null data leading up to and after migrations.
Actions Needed:
Action
Rank Parties
An interactive
Web site for
submitting and
viewing data
1
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
SANBI
Home Page for
the Western
Leopard Toad
with fact sheets
and information
brochures online
2
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
SANBI
A publicity
campaign for
launching the
Leopard Toad
Action Plan
3
Lead:
SANBI
Implementation:
Private media
company
Time Frame
Resources
Impacts
Incentives
Indicators
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
1 years
Completion:
Online by June
2008
Initiation:
Already exists
Duration:
Annual
Completion:
Ongoing
SANBI already
has SIBIS to
summarize data;
Interactive data
input and virtual
museum needed
Positive:
Public
awareness;
Negative:
Costs for server;
Staffing
Feedback for
research;
Is SANBI
mandate;
Public Pressure
Needs to be
linked to other
sites;
Local groups
encouraged to
publish
information and
link to site;
Fact sheets and
reports;
Volunteers to
provide content;
Scientists to vet
and approve
content
Media and
publicity
resources to be
pools;
Volunteers
Positive:
Public
awareness;
Negative:
Staffing
Feedback for
research;
Is SANBI
mandate;
Public Pressure
Website up to
date;
Turnaround time
from submission
to presentation;
Feedback to and
from submitters
Website up to
date;
Pages of
useable content;
Positive:
Public
awareness;
Negative:
Cost
Major initiation;
Public
awareness;
Public buyin
Initiation:
January 2008
Duration:
9 months
Completion:
October 2008
Number of
volunteers;
Number of
media slots
requested and
published as a
result of
campaign
Inappropriate actions: Set up an incomplete and inadequate web site.
1. Measures should be made via local coordinators for people without computer facilities. Local coordinators should regularly submit such
information.
7.1: Business Plan
<Leighan>
Status: register, charitable, NGO/MPO?
Naturecare Fund? <Sandvlei Trust>
Funders: big funding:
WWF:TMF -
8: Monitoring
<This still needs to be sorted from most important to least important / first needed to last needed/ etc./ – please suggest a sequence>
<Please: let us have a clear definition of
Milestones: A target aimed for at which the action can consider to have been successful.
Key events: An event which triggers an emergency action (i.e. some unacceptable event (of a certain threshold) has been exceeded) / or /
that a satisfactory level has been achieved (i.e. an unacceptable existing state of affairs has been mitigated to an acceptable level) so that
emergency action is no longer required
Threshholds: a level which when exceeded generates an emergency response of some sort.
If you can tighten these up and check that they are used below properly, I should be most greatful.>
Monitoring
Number of toad
and toadlet deaths
per night per
running kilometer
for each known
breeding site
Number of
breeding sites with
mortality data
Number of
blackspots
exceeding mortality
threshold
Action
1.1 Identify
blackspots;
1.3 Toad barriers
and channels at
blackspots;
1.4 Speed
restrictions and
temporary calming
measures during
migration – major
roads;
1.6 Traffic calming
measures minor
roads;
7.2 Modify barrier
curbstones and
pavements in
identified areas
1.1 Identify
blackspots;
Agency
Coordination:
SANParks; NGOs
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Frequency
Annually
Milestones
All breeding sites
have mortality
below 5% of
breeding
population;
Key events
All known breeding
sites monitored;
Reports on website
within 2 weeks of
migration;
Thresholds
5% mortality;
2 weeks collation
Summarizing:
SANBI
Annually
All breeding sites
monitored
No breeding sites
not monitored;
100% monitored
1.3 Toad barriers
and channels at
blackspots;
1.4 Speed
restrictions and
temporary calming
Coordination:
SANParks; NGOs
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Annually
No “blackspots”
exceed threshold;
0 achieved by 2014
Mortality rates
lower at mitigated
breeding sites than
unmitigated sites: if
not >> review
effectiveness
5% Mortality of
breeding
population;
2 weeks collation
2008 data to feed
into 7.1 and 12.1
Monitoring
Numbers of toads
moved
Toadlet mortality
incurred
Number of
blackspots manned
Number of
blackspots with
Coordinator
Number of
volunteers active
Action
measures during
migration;
1.6 Traffic calming
measures – minor
roads
1.4 Speed
restrictions and
temporary calming
measures during
migration;
1.6 Traffic calming
measures – minor
roads;
2.1 Suitable
dredging
techniques are
deployed
1.7 Public
Awareness and
participation
1.7 Public
Awareness and
participation
1.4 Speed
restrictions and
temporary calming
measures during
migration;
1.6 Traffic calming
measures – minor
roads;
1.7 Public
Awareness and
participation
Agency
Frequency
Milestones
Key events
Thresholds
Coordination:
SANParks; NGOs
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Annually
No toads needed
moving
Number of toads
assisted increasing
or decreasing
significantly;
Reports on website
within 2 weeks of
migration
10% drop in toads
moved;
2 weeks collation
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Ad hoc following
clearing
No toadlet mortality
noted due to
wetland damage
More than 5% of
toadlet population
destroyed by
inappropriate
management
Annually
All breeding sites
monitored
Monitoring
triggered by noncompliance;
Proportion of
population likely to
have been killed
No breeding sites
not monitored
Summarizing:
SANBI
Annually
All breeding sites
with coordinator
No breeding sites
with coordinator
100% with
coordinator
Coordination:
SANParks; NGOs
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Annually
“Adequate”
volunteers present
at all breeding sites
Number of
volunteers at a
breeding site below
threshold;
Volunteers
inadequate >>
request assistance
Minimum of 5
volunteers per
breeding site
100% monitored
Monitoring
Number of metro
police involved in
programme
Guidelines and
MoU between
departments
regarding
structures and
public participation
An action plan to
make blackspots
safe for toads in
terms of Traffic
An action plan to
make blackspots
safe for toads in
terms of Mowing
An action plan to
make blackspots
safe for toads in
terms of Waterway
Action
1.4 Speed
restrictions and
temporary calming
measures during
migration;
1.6 Traffic calming
measures – minor
roads
1.2 Meeting of
conservation
departments with
roads and parks
departments of city
and province to
determine common
ground
1.2 Meeting of
conservation
departments with
roads and parks
departments of city
and province to
determine common
ground
1.2 Meeting of
conservation
departments with
roads and parks
departments of city
and province to
determine common
ground
1.2 Meeting of
conservation
departments with
roads and parks
Agency
Coordination:
SANParks; NGOs
Action: Volunteers
Collation: SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI
Frequency
Annually
Milestones
Metro police active
at all major
breeding sites
Key events
Metro police not
active
Thresholds
Metro police active
at top 5 most
affected sites
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: CoCT:BMB
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Once off MoU,
To be reviewed
every 5 years or
when appropriate
MoU signed;
Cooperation
between
departments
satisfactory
Compliance breach
requiring additional
meetings and
revisiting MoU and
checks and
balances
Any breach or
apparent breach of
compliance within
MoU;
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: CoCT:
roads and
stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
One off
Action plan
completed
Action plan initiated
Deadlines for
actions exceeded
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: CoCT:
parks and forests
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
One off
Action plan
completed
Action plan initiated
Deadlines for
actions exceeded
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: CoCT:
roads and
One off
Action plan
completed
Action plan initiated
Deadlines for
actions exceeded
Monitoring
management;
MoU between
CoCT and road
authorities
regarding
temporary signage
Environmental
officer on site
Reed growth
Number of
inappropriate
clearings;
Complaints of
waterway
unkemptness;
Action
departments of city
and province to
determine common
ground
1.5 Temporary
Signage: legislation
requirements and
obtaining approval
and guidelines on
what is allowed and
who can give
authority to
implement
2.1 Suitable
dredging
techniques are
deployed
2.1 Suitable
dredging
techniques are
deployed
2.1 Suitable
dredging
techniques are
deployed ;
2.2 Suitable timing:
No dredging of any
Breeding site from
July to December;
2.2 Suitable timing:
No dredging of any
Breeding site from
July to December;
Agency
stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Frequency
Milestones
Key events
Thresholds
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: CoCT:
roads
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Compliance:
Volunteers
One off MoU;
Annual updating of
contact details
Clear guidelines
and procedures
available;
Identified
authorities with
contact details;
to be posted on
website
Contact details up
to date
Problems
experienced with
signage and
officials
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: Volunteers
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination and
Summarizing:
CoCT: Parks and
forests
Action: Volunteers
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Compliance:
CoCT:BMB
Annually
No transgressions
or complaints.
Any transgressions
Officer not on site
during any activities
during July to
December.
Ad hoc as is
required
Open water closed
up;
?
Annually
No transgressions
Reeds too dense to
monitor toad
breeding or toadlet
populations
Any transgressions
Summarizing:
CoCT:roads and
stormwater
Compliance:
CoCT:BMB
Annually
No complaints
Complaints get to
point were
Stormwater
manager upset or
demands action >>
consider signage
?
No transgressions
Monitoring
Proportion of
waterways that are
biofriendly
Action
2.3 New and
restructured
waterways to be
biocompliant:
Agency
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Frequency
Annually
Milestones
All waterways
biofriendly
Key events
Any new or
upgraded waterway
to be reassessed
Dedicated
Researcher(s) at
SANBI
13. Research at
SANBI
Summarizing:
SANBI: TSP
Annually
All research issues
resolved
Proportion of new
developments that
are biofriendly
4.1 Ensuring new
developments do
not impede toad
movements
Annually
All new
developments
required to be toadfriendly
Proportion of walls
that are toad
friendly
4.2 Reconfiguring
existing walls by
either opting for a
palisade-type fence
or toad holes at
20m intervals
4.2 Reconfiguring
existing walls by
either opting for a
palisade-type fence
or installing toad
holes at 20m
intervals
5.1 Timing: no
mowing within a
week of any
migration within
1km radius of
Breeding sites
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: EMS
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: Volunteers
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
At least 1
researcher until
research
programme ends
Toad-friendly
features a
requirement of all
building plans
Annual, for 10
80% toad friendly
years, then 5-yearly within 1km of
intervals
breeding sites of
toads
50% toad friendly
within 1km of
breeding sites of
toads
50% toad friendly
within 1km of
breeding sites of
toads
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: Volunteers
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Annual, for 10
80% of gardens
years, then 5-yearly within 1km of
intervals
breeding sites of
toads
50% of gardens
within 1km of
breeding sites with
toads
50% of gardens
within 1km of
breeding sites with
toads
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action: Contractors
and CoCT: Parks
and Forestry
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
Annually
No transgressions
for a season
Any transgression
to be followed up
with site visit and
review of MoU and
contractors
contracts
No transgressions
should occur
Annually
No transgressions
Any transgression
No transgressions
Gardens with toads
Dates of mowing
Opportunistic
5.1 Severity of
Thresholds
Steep banks to be
less than 50% of
edge and suitable
fringing vegetation
present
?
?
Monitoring
monitoring by
volunteers
Running km of
stormwater system
that is toad
compliant within
foraging areas.
Number of
breeding sites with
curbstone
problems
Number and extent
of sewage outfalls
Tons of rubbish
removed from
wetlands;
Action
mowing: mowing
during the breeding
season and until
the high fire season
should be at least
100mm above
ground level
6.1 All stormwater
lines within foraging
areas should have
a toad escape
route at least every
200m.
7.1 Identify
curbstones and
barriers within 1km
radius blackspots
and breeding sites
that impede
movement;
7.2 Modify barrier
curbstones and
pavements in
identified areas
9.1 Restrict and
contain sewage
outfalls
9.2 Prevent and
remove refuse
pollution and
dumping in
Agency
CoCT:BMB
Action: Contractors
and CoCT: Parks
and Forestry
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Frequency
Milestones
for a season
Key events
to be followed up
with site visit and
review of MoU and
contractors
contracts
Thresholds
should occur
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
Volunteers
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Annually initially for
10 years, then
every 5 years
80% of stormwater
running km are
toad complaint
MoU signed;
50% of stormwater
running km are
toad complaint
?
Annually for 10
years and then 5year intervals
All breeding sites
with barriers
refurbished to be
toad friendly
<>
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Annually
No outfalls in
Breeding areas for
a season
Annually
All Breeding areas
clear of rubble
Monitoring
Action
wetlands and
canals
Number of
incidents of
dumping in
wetlands reported
9.2 Prevent and
remove refuse
pollution and
dumping in
wetlands and
canals
Number of
convictions for
dumping in
wetlands
9.2 Prevent and
remove refuse
pollution and
dumping in
wetlands and
canals
Breeding sites that
exceed city
standards for
pollution and toxic
materials
9.3 Monitor water
quality for major
pollutants, heavy
metals and poisons
Pools with toad
ladders;
10.1 Create an
awareness of the
hazard of pools to
toads and animals
and the simple and
elegant solution
10.1 Create an
awareness of the
hazard of pools to
toads and animals
Number of toad
ladders on the
market
Agency
Stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Stormwater
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CoCT: Roads and
Stormwater
CoCT: Scientific
Services
Summarizing:
CoCT:BMB
Coordination &
summary:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
Volunteers
Frequency
Milestones
Annually
No dumping in
Breeding areas for
a season
Annually
All incidents of
dumping in
Breeding areas for
a season are
prosecuted
Annually
No exceedences of
pollution or toxic
materials
Every 5 years
50% of swimming
pools with toad
ladders
Coordination &
summary:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
Every 5 years
Toad ladders in all
major stores and
pool maintenance
shops
Key events
Thresholds
Monitoring
Pamphlets
submitted;
Volunteer numbers;
Participants in
Annual School
competition
Number of gardens
with Toad-friendly
status;
Proportion of
electrical fences
toad compliant at
each Breeding site
Estimated
populations of alien
fish at each
breeding site;
Number of
Action
and the simple and
elegant solution
11.1 Increased
awareness among
homeowners
Agency
Volunteers
Coordination &
summary:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
Volunteers
11.1 Increased
Coordination &
awareness among
summary:
homeowners
CoCT:BMB
Action:
Volunteers
11.2 Annual School Coordination &
competition1 and
summary:
Toad Day: 1st
CoCT:BMB
August
Action:
Volunteers
11.3 Initiate a
Coordination &
Toad-friendly
summary:
status2 and
CoCT:BMB
competition
Action:
Volunteers
12.1 Survey electric Coordination &
fences within 1km
summary:
of Breeding sites or CoCT:BMB
blackspots;
Action:
12.2 Electric fences Volunteers
to be at least
100mm above
ground
8.1 Survey the
Coordination &
distribution and
summary:
abundance of alien CoCT:BMB
fish at breeding
Action:
sites
CapeNature
8.1 Survey the
Coordination &
Frequency
Milestones
Key events
Annually
All houses dropped
within 2km of
breeding sites.
Annually
At least 5 people
per night per
breeding site during
the breeding period
Annually
Each school within
2km of breeding
sites to participate
Annually
50% of gardens
within 2km of
breeding sites
One off, then every
5 years
90% of electrical
fences within 2km
of breeding sites
One off, then every
5 years, but
annually at infested
sites
No breeding areas
with alien fish
present
All breeding sites
with low levels of
alien fish
Annually
All breeding sites
Annual surveys of
Thresholds
Monitoring
breeding sites
surveyed for alien
fish
Breeding sites with
alien fish at
unacceptably high
population levels
New development
applications
include condition
requiring an
OEMP, of which
monitoring will be a
part of.
Action
distribution and
abundance of alien
fish at breeding
sites
8.2 Remove alien
fish by catching
and selective
poisoning (if
appropriate)
Agency
summary:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CapeNature
Coordination &
summary:
CoCT:BMB
Action:
CapeNature
DEA&DP:IEM
CoCT: EMS
Frequency
One off, then every
5 years, but
annually at infested
sites
Milestones
surveyed every 5
years, all sites with
high populations
surveyed annually
No breeding areas
with high
populations of alien
fish present
Key events
high population fish
at breeding sites
deemed
unnecessary
All significant
breeding sites with
low levels of alien
fish
Thresholds
9: Stakeholder consultation list.
The following participants attended the first meeting, and were appended to the address
list.
Name
Tamara Allan
Julie Anderson
Chris Barnes
Lucas Chauke
Mike Cherry
Susana Clusella Trullas
Ferozah Conrad
Ian Cranna
Fahiema Daniels
Atherton deVilliers
Craig Doonan
Cliff Dorse
Alison Faraday
Jean Fillis
Grant Forbes
Joy Garman
Aletta Groenwald
Neel Groenwald
James Harrison
Una Hartley
Sue Harwood
Candice Haskins
Sandra Hollerman
Philippa Huntly
Kareemah Jacobs
Gavin Lawson
Louis Liebenberg
Lindy Luger
John Measey
Carol Milan
Leighan Mossop
Tessa Oliver
Suvarna Parbhoo
Maud Purves.
Tony Rebelo
Terry & Evanne Rothwell
Rory Sales
Kathi Sales
Rudi Siegenthaler
Sue Smith
Maya Stauch
Krystal Tolley
Suretha van Rooyen
Contact details
tallan@wwf.org.za
julie@jproductions.co.za
tangwyn@telkomsa.net
chauke@sanbi.org
MIC@sun.ac.za
sct333@sun.ac.za
conrad@sanbi.org
<No email address>
Daniels@sanbi.org
adevilliers@capenature.co.za
craig@leapcommunications.co.za
Clifford.Dorse@capetown.gov.za
ali.faraday@telkomsa.net
jeanfillis@polka.co.za
forbesgrant@yahoo.com
Joy.Garman@capetown.gov.za
deuijlenes@xsinet.co.za
deuijlenes@xsinet.co.za
hare@worldonline.co.za
jeanfillis@polka.co.za
jacksue@ct.stormnet.co.za
Candice.Haskins@capetown.gov.za
SandraH@sanparks.org
Huntly@sanbi.org
kareemah@natureconservation.co.za
glawson@xsinet.co.za
louis@cybertracker.co.za
luger@telkomsa.net
measey@sanbi.org
froggie@polka.co.za
leighanm@sanparks.org
OliverTe@sanbi.org
parbhoo@sanbi.org
familypurves@xsinet.co.za
rebelo@sanbi.org
terry@marques.co.za
rory@risingtide.co.za
kathi@risingtide.co.za
rsigi7@gmail.com
pointer@intermail.co.za>
mayas@goldcircle.co.za
tolley@sanbi.org
suvrooye@pgwc.gov.za
55
Affiliation
NGO: WWF
Pub
Pub: Baardskeerdesbos
SANBI
Univ. Stellenbosch
Univ. Stellenbosch
SANBI: Genetics
CoCT: ?
SANBI: TSRP
Cape Nature: Research
Pub
CoCT:BMB
Pub
Pub
Local Government
CoCT: ?
Pub: Baardskeerdesbos
Pub: Baardskeerdesbos
Private Consultant
Pub
Pub
CoCT: ?
SANParks: Fish Hoek
Wetlands forum
NGO: NCC
Zandvlei Trust
Pub
Die Oog
SANBI: Genetics
Pub
SANParks: Silvermine
NGO: ?
SANBI: TSP
Pub
SANBI: TSRP
Pub
Pub
Noordhoek conservancy
Ikapa Honorary Rangers
Ikapa Honorary Rangers
CoCT:BMB
SANBI: Genetics
DeadP: ?
The following participants expressed an interest but did not attend the first meeting, and
were appended to the address list.
Name
Phoebe Barnard
Cilla Bromley
Marius Burger
Alan Channing
Marienne De Villiers
Charle De Villiers
Keshni Gopal
Chris & Lin Howland
Onno Huyser
Suzie Jiracharonkul
Jeremy Keyser
Julian le Roux
Vivien le Roux
Helen Lockhart
Jean Nixon
Yvonne Reynolds
Caryl Richmond
Lucia Rodrigues
Cassy Sheasby
Leon Styn
Andre Upton
PJ van der Walt
Walter Williams
Marcel Witberg
Harry
<No Name>
<No Name>
<No Name>
Contact details
barnard@sanbi.org
cilla@bromley.co.za
sungazer@iafrica.com
achanning@uwc.ac.za
Marienne.DeVilliers@uct.ac.za
Devilliersc@botanicalsociety.org.za
gopal@sanbi.org
chrislin@absamail.co.za
ohuyser@wwf.org.za
suzie@wangthai.co.za
jeremy.keyser@envirosolutions.co.za
juler@iafrica.com
juler@iafrica.com
hlockhart@aquarium.co.za
jnixon@global.co.za
reynolds@sanbi.org
richmoc@lancet.co.za
signet@mweb.co.za
Cassandra.Sheasby@capetown.gov.za
lstyn@overstrand.gov.za
Andre.Upton@capetown.gov.za
pj@riverlodge.co.za
<No email address>
witbergm@absamail.co.za>
harry@steenberggolfclub.co.za
jmanuel@pgwc.gov.za
phardcas@pgwc.gov.za
ztoefy@pgwc.gov.za
Affiliation
SANBI: Climate
Glenvlei caretaker
Univ. Cape Town
Univ. Western Cape
Univ. Cape Town
NGO: Botanical Society
SANBI:
Pub
NGO: TMF
Pub
NGO: Planning in Balance
Pub
Pub
Two Oceans Aquarium
Pub
SANBI: Library
Pub
NGO: ?
CoCT: ?
Overstrand government
Pub
Pub
CoCT: ?
Pub
Steenberg Golf Club
DeadP: ?
DeadP: ?
DeadP: ?
The following parties were identified as interested and affected stakeholders but did not
attend the first meeting.
Name
<John: list please>
Christa Le Roux
Duncan Daries
Mogamat Kenny
Anthony Barnes:
Paul Hardcastle
Zaahir Toefy
Ruth Massey
Suretha van Rooyen
Contact details
Affiliation
Christa.leroux@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400 4304
Duncan.daries @capetown.gov.za
CoCT: Director, City Parks
Mogamat.kenny@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 4002264
Anbarnes@pgwc.gov.za
Phardcas@pgwc.gov.za
Ztoefy@pgwc.gov.za
Rmassey@pgwc.gov.za
Suvrooye@pgwc.gov.za
CoCT: Manager Operations and
assets. Roads & Stormwater.
CoCT: Manager Operational support
(Stormwater). Roads & Stormwater.
DEA&DP: Director
DEA&DP: Deputy Director (Region B2)
DEA&DP: Deputy Director (Region B1)
DEA&DP: Forward Planning
DEA&DP: Integrated Environmental
Management
The following steering committee was constituted to take the matter further.
Name
Clifford Dorse (chair)
Julie Anderson
Atherton De Villiers
Joy Garman
Kareemah Jacobs
Contact details
Affiliation
John Measey
Leighan Mossop
Solly Nkoana
Tony Rebelo
Evanne Rothwell
Grant Forbes
Carol Milan
nkoanas@sanbi.org
SANBI: Threatened Species Programme
Apologies
Apologies
Meetings were held on the:
 2 December 2007 at which it was decided to adopt the NEMBA BMP approach,
with a business plan and funding via NatureCare.
 17 March 2008, at which it was decided:
.
10. Proof of Compliance.
Minutes of Initial Stakeholders Meeting of 7/11/2007
Western Leopard Toad Stakeholders Meeting
7th November 2007
Kirstenbosch Research Centre
09h00 Welcome tea
Chair: Tony Rebelo (SANBI)
09h15 Welcome remarks
Suvarna Parbhoo (SANBI: Threatened Species Program)
09h30 The Western Leopard Toad; an overview of ecology and distribution
Atherton de Villiers (CapeNature)
10h00 Toad Barriers
Kareemah Jacobs (Consultant: Nature Conservation Corporation)
10h30 Management of Western Leopard Toads in the City of Cape Town
Cliff Dorse (CTCC Biodiversity Directorate)
11h00 A consultant’s perspective
James Harrison (JAH Consultancy)
11h30 Research on the Western Leopard Toad
John Measey (SANBI: Molecular Ecology and Evolution)
12h00 Public input to Leopard Toad conservation
Evanne Rothwell
12h30 A publicity campaign for the Western Leopard Toad
Craig Doonan (Leap Communications)
12h45 Lunch (sponsored by SANBI Threatened Species Program) will be served
downstairs on the ground floor.
13h45 Leopard Toad video
14h00 Review of the issues Chair:
Tony Rebelo (SANBI)
Split into groups for discussions
16h00 Reporting back on issues from the groups
16h45 Closing remarks:
John Measey (SANBI)
17h00 Meeting end
List of adverts
List of Participants
Standards for norm 2.10: The Proof of compliance shall contain:
 A list of all adverts to stakeholders detailing media and date;
 A list of all stakeholder meetings, workshops and fora held, with:
o Location and date; and,
o List of participants;
 A list of all stakeholders who commented on the first and final drafts:
o Grouped into positive and negative responses;
o Summarizing the response; and,
o Detailing subsequent action taken in the drafts;
 A checklist of norms and standards for both the development process and
format, detailing that each norm and standard has been complied with.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Fahiema Daniels (SANBI, Threatened Species Research Unit) for GIS analysis.
11: References.
Cherry, M. I. 1992. Sexual selection in the leopard toad, Bufo pardalis. Behaviour 120 (34): 164-176.
Cherry, M.I. and Francillon-Vieillot, H. 1992. Body size, age and reproduction in the
leopard toad, Bufo pardalis. Journal of Zoology, London 228: 41-50.
Cunningham, M. and Cherry, M.I. 2000. Mitochondrial DNA divergence in southern African
bufonids: are species equivalent entities? African Journal of Herpetology 49(1):
9-22.
De Villiers, A.L. 1997. Monitoring the distribution and conservation status of threatened
amphibians in the southwestern Cape. pp. 142-148. In: Proceedings of the Third
H.A.A. Symposium on African Herpetology, 1993, Pretoria. Van Wyk, J.H. (ed.).
Herpetological Association of Africa, Stellenbosch.
De Villiers, A.L. 2003. Nature Notes. Western Leopard Toad Bufo pantherinus (formerly
Bufo pardalis). African Wildlife 57 (2): 29.
De Villiers, A.L. 2004. Bufo pantherinus A. Smith, 1828. Pp. 71-74 in: Minter, L.R., Burger,
M., Harrison, J.A., Braack, H.H., Bishop, P.J. and Kloepfer, D. (eds.). Atlas and
Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. SI/MAB
Series #9. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC and Avian Demography
Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
De Villiers, A.L. 2004. Watch out for this toad. Village Life 7 (August/September): 10.
Du Toit, C.A. 1971. Amphibians. Pp. 262-278 in: Potgieter, D.J., Du Plessis, P.C. and
Skaife, S.H. Animal Life in Southern Africa. Nasionale Opvoedkundige
Uitgewery Ltd. (NASOU), Cape Town.
Eick, B.N., Harley, E.H. and Cherry, M.I. 2001. Molecular analysis supports specific status
for Bufo pardalis and Bufo pantherinus. Journal of Herpetology 35 (1): 113-114.
Harrison and Associates. 2007. Management of the Western Leopard Toad in a built
environment for the conservation committee, Bokkemanskloof, Hout Bay.
Impact Assessment.
Harrison, J.A., Burger, M., Minter, L.R., De Villiers, A.L., Baard, E.H.W., Scott, E., Bishop,
P.J. and Ellis, S. 2001. Conservation assessment and management plan for
southern African frogs. Final Report. IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding
Specialist Group: Apple Valley, MN.
Hewitt, J. 1935. Some new forms of batrachians and reptiles from South Africa. Records of
the Albany Museum 4: 283-357, pls 27-31.
Le May, J. 2003. Leopard toads: toll road tunnels no solution. African Wildlife 57 (2): 28.
Measey, J. 2007. Save the toads! Village Life 25 (August/September): 4.
Passmore, N.I. 1977. Bufo pardalis (Anura: Bufonidae): Mating call and calling behaviour.
Zoologica Africana 12: 234-236.
Poynton, J.C. 1964. The Amphibia of southern Africa: a faunal study. Annals of the Natal
Museum. 17: 1-334.
Poynton, J.C. and Lambiris, A.J.L. 1998. On Bufo pantherinus A. Smith, 1828 (Anura:
Bufonidae), the leopard toad of the southwestern Cape, South Africa, with the
designation of a neotype. African Journal of Herpetology 47 (1): 3-12.
Rose, W. 1929. Veld & Vlei - an account of South African frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, &
tortoises. The Speciality Press of South Africa Ltd., Wynberg, Cape Town.
Smith, A. 1828. Descriptions of new or imperfectly known objects of the animal kingdom,
found in the south of Africa. South African Commercial Advertiser 3 (145): 2.
The Nature Corporation. 2010. Assessment Report of Breeding Occurrence of endangered
Western Leopard Toads Amietophrynus pantherinus east of False Bay. Report
for SANBI.
12: Appendixes.
12.1. MoA for the lead and implementing agency: City of Cape Town
12.2. MoA for implementing agency: Cape Nature
12.3. MoA for implementing agency: Table Mountain National Park
12.4. MoA for implementing agency: SANBI
12.5. City of Cape Town: City Parks: Mowing MoU.
Contract
Map of “No Mow” areas.
12.6. City of Cape Town: Roads & Stormwater: Road Activities MoU.
Map of “Blackspots” areas.
12.7. City of Cape Town: Environmental Management Services – policy, planning and
building plan approval
Building Plan requirements.