Toads 'could be used to predict earthquakes'

 "Experts began investigating the theory after a colony of toads was observed abandoning a pond in L'Aquila, Italy, in 2009, days before the devastating earthquake.
They believe that stressed rocks in the Earth’s crust release charged particles before an earthquake, which react with groundwater.
Animals living in or near groundwater, such as toads, are highly sensitive to such changes and may therefore notice signs of an impending quake.
The researchers, led by Friedemann Freund from Nasa and Rachel Grant from the UK's Open University, hope their findings will inspire biologists and geologists to work together in improving earthquake prediction."
via Telegraph / more