African common toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids African common toad |
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The Sclerophrys regularis, also known as the African common toad, is a type of toad found in the Bufonidae family. People call it by many names, like the square-marked toad, African toad, Egyptian toad, African bouncing toad (because it bounces!), and Reuss's toad. This toad lives in many parts of Subsaharan Africa. You can find it from Angola all the way to Egypt and even in some desert oases. It lives in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and many more.
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What Does the African Common Toad Look Like?
The African common toad is a big, strong toad with bumpy skin. Male toads are usually about 6 to 9 centimeters long from their nose to their bottom. Females are even bigger, growing to about 7 to 13 centimeters long.
These toads have large glands behind their eyes called paratoid glands. These glands look like kidneys or are parallel to each other. Male toads have a single vocal sac under their chin, which they use to make sounds.
Their back is usually dark olive-brown with dark spots. These spots often look like they are placed evenly on their back. Younger toads might have a lighter stripe down their spine. They also have small dark spots on their upper lip and eyelids. The bumps on their sides often have dark marks around them. Male toads have black throats, while both males and females have white or beige undersides.
When a male toad calls, it makes a rattling sound. This sound has two short parts and lasts for less than a second. If these toads feel scared, they might bounce around. This helps to confuse predators or escape from them. They also have webbed back feet, which help them swim well in water.
Where Do African Common Toads Live?
The African common toad is a very common animal. It lives in many different places, both wet and dry. You can find them in savannas (grassy plains), mountain grasslands, and the edges of forests. They also live in places where people farm.
These toads are often found near rivers, which is where they lay their eggs. They don't usually live deep inside forests. However, you can still find them in towns and gardens, even in forest areas, especially where the land has been changed by people. In very dry areas, you might find other types of toads instead.
Are African Common Toads Endangered?
No, the African common toad is not in danger. It is a very common species across all the places it lives. This toad can adapt to many different environments. Because of this, its population is steady and not shrinking. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says that this toad is of "least concern" for conservation. This means it's not currently threatened. Sometimes, people catch these toads to keep as pets.
Can You Keep African Common Toads as Pets?
Yes, African common toads are popular pets. If you want to keep two or more of these toads, you will need a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size.
