Species profile
About this species
The Syrian Spadefoot Toad is a medium-sized burrowing amphibian native to the Middle East & parts of south-eastern Europe. It is characterised by its smooth, moist skin, prominent golden or pale eyes with vertical pupils, & a hard tubercle on each hind foot used for digging. The species is largely nocturnal & spends much of its life buried underground, emerging primarily to breed in temporary pools & shallow wetlands.
Semi-arid & agricultural lowlands with loose, sandy or loamy soils suitable for burrowing, often near temporary pools, marshes, & slow-moving water bodies used for breeding; found across the Levant, Turkey, & parts of the Balkans
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Syrian Spadefoot Toad with us in Bulgaria.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Spring nights, particularly during & immediately after rainfall between March & May, when adults gather at breeding pools; post-rain evenings offer the highest chance of surface activity
Visit breeding pools at night during & after rainfall in spring, as this is when the toads are most active & visible at the surface. Use a macro lens & get low to the ground to capture eye-level shots that emphasise the striking vertical pupils & smooth skin texture. A red-filtered torch or low-intensity headlamp will help you locate subjects without disturbing their natural behaviour, & a diffused flash can provide even lighting without harsh reflections on the moist skin.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Syrian Spadefoot Toad
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.