Description
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Bufo pantherinus is a large toad, with a SVL of 122 mm in the females. This species has a number of indistinct glands running along the underside of the forearm, along with glands behind the jaw that are smaller and not joined into a ridge. Parotoid glands are large and distinct and have a lateral edge running straight across. Dorsal coloration is described as red-brown markings outlined in black atop a vibrant yellow background. The snout top and belly coloration are free of dark markings, and a pale thin vertebral line runs along the dorsum. Tadpoles possess fins with distinctively curved margins on their upper and lower sides. Eye to eye length of these tadpoles is noted to be larger than eye to nostril length. Pigmentation covers the posterior region of the tadpole's tail muscles completely, while only covering about 2/3 of the upper tail muscle. No papillae exist on either side of the mouth within the oral disc of the tadpoles.
Distribution and Habitat
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Bufo pantherinus is indigenous to the southwestern tip of Africa. The frog is known to inhabit bodies of water ranging from large wetlands, vleis, dams, and sluggish water shallow to temporary ponds filled with seasonal rains. Breeding in usually takes place within the smaller temporary ponds to avoid predation. Unfortunately much of this habitat has been destroyed due to local housing developments.
Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors
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Bufo pantherinus has a distinct call that is described as a slow snore, given while the frog is under vegetation at the edge of the water, or while submerged completely in deep water. This species is an explosive breeder. All breeding activity takes place within a 4-5 night time period every spring. During this time period, males search out mates. Surprisingly, given the competition to find mates in such a short mating period, they do not attempt to displace other males that have engaged females in amplexus. Eggs of this frog are laid within shallow marshy areas, in batches consisting of around 25,000 eggs. The egg laying occurs from late August through October depending on when the rains appear. Metamorphosis takes place in mid-December. One unusual food item that the frog is said to consume are snails.
Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors
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Large portions of this frog's original habitat have been lost due to the construction of houses.
Western leopard toad
provided by wikipedia EN
The western leopard toad (Sclerophrys pantherina) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. The species is endemic to the low-lying areas of the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Flats and the Agulhas flats of the Western Cape, South Africa.[1][2][3]
Populations and range
Two macro-populations exist, broadly referred to as the Cape Town and Overberg clusters. Its natural foraging habitats is Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, falling within several vegetation types including Cape Flats Sand Plain Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld.
Habitat
The species is not restricted to pristine habitat as much of its historical feeding grounds currently fall under residential suburbs, hence leopard toads are often found living in suburban gardens. Breeding habitat includes swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, urban riverine watercourses, natural ponds and garden ponds.
Threats
It is threatened by habitat loss, as well as other urban obstacles and barriers such as walls, electric fencing, canals and roads. Introduced or exotic fauna and flora like ducks, fish and algae threaten the quality of breeding habitat and the breeding success of populations. Cape Town is an expanding city with a population of close to 3 million people. There is thus an inherent integration of urban wildlife and humans in the city, especially with regards to the western leopard toad.
Conservation measures
Volunteers thus play a critical role in conservation efforts for the species. These volunteers are mainly involved during breeding season migrations, which falls between late July and early September, timed with the arrival of the first post-winter warm weather. It is at this time when the highest number of individuals are threatened, as individuals cross busy roads to and from local breeding habitat. Large-scale efforts across the distribution incur over nights during this time to move toads over roads, collect data and flag down motorists. Since March 2011 road signs have also been placed at ten of these crossings to alert motorists. It is envisaged that the signs would encourage motorists to slow down and take heed of the amphibians, especially at night.[3]
References
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Western leopard toad: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
The western leopard toad (Sclerophrys pantherina) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. The species is endemic to the low-lying areas of the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Flats and the Agulhas flats of the Western Cape, South Africa.
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- Wikipedia authors and editors
