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Viewing swaag.org website implies consent to set cookies on your computer. Full details Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group
Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number 1155775
SWAAG Honorary President:
Tim Laurie F,S,A,

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 *****SWAAG_ID***** 988
 Date Entered 14/04/2017
 Updated on 14/04/2017
 Recorded by Tim Laurie
 Category Fauna
 Record Type Fauna HER
 SWAAG Site Name 
 Site Type 
 Site Name 
 Site Description 
 Site Access Public Access Land
 Record Date 11/04/2017
 Location Cotherstone Moor. Scur Beck.
 Civil Parish Not known
 Brit. National Grid Hidden
 Altitude 260m
 Geology 
 Record Name Cotherstone Moor. Scur Beck. An impressive tangle of toad spawn under close guard
 Record Description This tangle of ribbon like toad spawn in the bottom of a deep, slow pool on Scur Beck was, at first notice, thought to be an aquatic plant. But on closer view was seen to be a large quantity of toad spawn. The spawn, presumably produced by a single female toad, takes the form of a closely intertwined tangle of dirty but translucent tubing of a glue-like substance which safely contained two spirally coiled (like DNA!) strands of rather large black toad eggs. The total length coiled in this tangle was judged to be of considerable (ie. 10m perhaps) total length. While admiring this surprising potential toad nursery, Mrs Toad appeared (see photos) and indicated that her fine work was no business of mine. I agreed that it was indeed her business and departed.
 Dimensions See photos
 Geographical area 
 Species 
 Scientific Name 
 Common / Notable Species 
 Tree and / or Stem Girth 
 Tree: Position / Form / Status 
 Tree Site ID 0
 Associated Site SWAAG ID 0
 Additional Notes Having examined this deposit of toad spawn, I wondered how a single toad could produce such a great quantity of eggs and why the spawn was laid in such a great endless tangle. Since Herons are probably the greatest threat to toad spawn, I suggest that a heron would not be able to find a free end and have great difficulty in swallowing such a length of eggs contained within a tube of glue. The bird would be at risk 0f strangulation with the tangle around its head.
 Image 1 ID 7271         Click image to enlarge
 Image 1 Description The toad spawn photographed under water as first seen
 Image 2 ID 7268         Click image to enlarge
 Image 2 Description Detail to show the double strand of toad eggs
 Image 3 ID 7270         Click image to enlarge
 Image 3 Description Mrs Toad appears
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