A relatively large toad with a total maximum length of about 21cm, though males are rather smaller at 9-10cm and the average female is 15cm. The head is longer than wide, with a short rounded snout, and the area between the eyes is either flat or concave. The tympanum is barely visible, measuring about half the diameter of the eye. The fingers are short, the third being the longest, followed by the the first and then the second and fourth, these latter two being of equal length. There are two tubercles on the palms. The toes are relatively long and flattened.
Continue reading Iberian spiny toad – Bufo spinosus – Sapo comun IbéricoTag Archives: Toads in Spain
Natterjack toad – Epidalia (Bufo) calamita – Sapo corredor
- Family: Bufonidae
- English: Natterjack Toad
- Scientific: Epidalia (Bufo) calamita
- Spanish: Sapo corredor
- Basque: Apo lasterkaria
- Catalan: Gripau corredor, gripau
- Galician: Sapo corriqueiro
- Portuguese: Sapo-corredor
- Distribution Iberia: Found throughout all Portugal and much of Spain, including the Pyrenees but excluding the northern Atlantic region and the dry central interior, though present in the south.
- Further distribution: UK mainland and Ireland, France through Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and southern Swedish coastal regions to Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and the Baltic states, and also in Northwest Africa and west Asia. In the UK and Eire the species is restricted in its distribution and considered endangered. In Ireland, found only on the Dingle Peninsula, and distribution in the UK is almost restricted to coastal areas.
The Natterjack toad – Epidalia (Bufo) calamita – Sapo corredor is a species of Bufo, a large genus of so-called “true toads” traditionally found worldwide, although some authorities have now separated the Old World species from the New.
Description
Epidalia (Bufo) calamita is a medium-sized toad with a total maximum length of about 9-10cm in Iberia. (Elsewhere in Europe the species is smaller, males measuring 8cm and females 10cm). The head is wider than long, with a short rounded snout, and the area between the eyes is flat. The tympanum, measuring about half the diameter of the eye, is usually not visible, and if it is, only the front part can be seen.
Berber Toad – Sclerophrys mauritanica – Sapo moruno
The Berber Toad – Sclerophrys mauritanica – Sapo moruno is a medium-sized toad native to North Africa. An introduced population was also present in Spain close to Los Alcornocales Natural Park but numbers are unknown with some authorities declaring the species extinct in Spain. It is present in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, where it colonizes a multitude of habitats, although it is more abundant in areas of cork oak forests and mediterranean shrubland.
This species is known for its distinctive appearance, with smooth, warty skin and large, gold-colored eyes with vertical pupils. The Berber Toad is a nocturnal species that feeds primarily on insects and can be found in a variety of habitats, from semi-arid areas to urban environments. While it is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN
Physical characteristics
The Berber Toad is a medium-sized toad with a smooth, warty skin that ranges in color from light gray or olive to reddish-brown or almost black. It has a broad head and large eyes with vertical pupils, and its pupils are yellow or gold. The toad has a rounded body and short, stocky legs with webbed toes. Adults can reach up to 11 cm in length.
Habitat and behavior
The Berber Toad is native to North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, where it can be found in a variety of habitats including semi-arid areas, Mediterranean scrubland, oak forests, and even urban areas. It is a nocturnal species that spends most of its time hiding in crevices, under rocks or logs, or in burrows. During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring or early summer, males will gather near water sources and call to attract females. The species is also known for its ability to secrete a toxic substance from its skin as a defense mechanism.
Diet
The Berber Toad is a carnivorous species that feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, beetles, and ants. It will also occasionally consume other small invertebrates such as spiders and snails.
Reproduction
Breeding typically occurs in the spring or early summer, with males gathering near water sources and emitting a distinctive trilling call to attract females. After mating, the female will lay strings of eggs in water or on damp surfaces, with each string containing up to several thousand eggs. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which will metamorphose into toadlets after several weeks.
Conservation status
The Berber Toad is listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction. However, habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as pollution and disease, may pose threats to local populations.
The Berber Toad – Sclerophrys mauritanica – Sapo moruno Status in Spain
An introduced population was also present in Spain close to Los Alcornocales Natural Park but numbers are unknown with some authorities declaring the species extinct in Spain.
Specimens have been introduced in the surroundings of Algeciras (Cadiz), where they have managed to reproduce (MATEO, 1997). They are considered to be of ancient introduction here, as there are specimens captured in the same region in 1911 deposited in the MNCN of Madrid (numbers 2,990, 3,001). There have been no described interactions with native amphibians, and the current status of this population is unknown, although it could be extinct as it has not been located recently (J.A. BARNESTEIN, pers. comm.).
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Green Toad – Bufotes viridis – Sapo verde.
The Green Toad – Bufotes viridis – Sapo verde is a medium-sized toad that is found in a variety of habitats in Europe and Asia. With its distinct coloration and unique cranial crest, this species is easily recognizable. Although the green toad is listed as a species of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, its populations are declining in some areas due to various threats, including habitat loss and pollution. In this article, we will discuss the physical characteristics, habitat and behavior, diet, reproduction, conservation status, and status in Spain of this fascinating species.
Following genetic and morphological reviews, the green toads on the Balearic islands are now regarded as separate species. (Bufotes balearicus)
Physical characteristics
The green toad, also known as Bufo viridis or Sapo verde, is a medium-sized toad with a robust body and short legs. Their coloration can vary from yellowish-green to olive green, with darker spots or patches on their back. They have a distinctive cranial crest that runs between their eyes and a pair of parotoid glands behind their eyes that secrete a toxic substance as a defense mechanism. Their eyes are golden-colored with horizontal pupils.
Habitat and behavior
The green toad is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, forests, and wetlands. They are most commonly found in Europe and Asia. During the day, they spend most of their time buried in the ground or hidden under vegetation to avoid predators. They are active at night, when they hunt for food and search for mates. The green toad is a solitary animal and does not form groups.
Diet
The green toad is a carnivorous animal, feeding mainly on insects such as crickets, beetles, and ants. They also eat other invertebrates, such as spiders and snails.
Reproduction
The breeding season for green toads usually occurs between March and June. During this time, males gather at breeding sites, such as ponds or streams, and begin calling to attract females. After mating, the female lays a string of eggs, which hatch into tadpoles. The tadpoles then develop into juvenile toads, which can take up to two years to reach maturity.
Conservation status
The green toad is listed as a species of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. However, their populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss, pollution, and other threats.
Status of the Green Toad – Bufotes viridis – Sapo verde in Spain
In Spain, the green toad is a protected species under national and regional legislation. They are found in many regions of the country, including Andalusia, Aragon, Castile and León, and Catalonia. However, some populations are declining due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as the introduction of non-native species.
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