Majorcan midwife toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Majorcan midwife toad |
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The Majorcan midwife toad (also called Mallorcan midwife toad or ferreret) is a special kind of frog. Its scientific name is Alytes muletensis. It belongs to the frog family called Alytidae.
This toad lives only on the island of Majorca in the Mediterranean Sea. This means it's found nowhere else in the world! It's a bit like a "Lazarus species" because scientists first found its bones (fossils) in 1977. They thought it was extinct, meaning it had died out. But then, in 1979, living toads were discovered!
Today, the Majorcan midwife toad is considered "endangered" by the IUCN. This means it's at risk of disappearing forever. It lives in isolated mountain rivers in Majorca's Serra de Tramuntana area. Scientists believe there are only about 500 breeding pairs left in the wild. Luckily, these toads can live and have babies easily in zoos and special breeding centers.
Experts think the Majorcan midwife toad disappeared from most of the island a long time ago. This happened because new animals, like predators and competitors, were brought to Majorca from other places. Since 1988, people have been working to reintroduce these toads into new areas. Many new groups of toads are now living well in the wild.
Unique Characteristics
Like all midwife toads, the male Majorcan midwife toad has a very special job. He carries the developing eggs wrapped around his legs during May and June. This protects them until they are ready to hatch.
The Majorcan midwife toad has a large head and big legs compared to the rest of its body. Interestingly, the female toad is usually larger than the male. Females are about 38 millimeters long, while males are about 34.7 millimeters.
When it's time to find a partner, both male and female toads make different noises to attract each other. The female toad sometimes even competes with other females to get the male she wants!
Where They Live
The Majorcan midwife toad is found only on the island of Majorca. It lives in the high mountains and deep gorges of the Serra de Tramuntana.
These toads prefer to live in streams found inside limestone caves. They like to hide under big rocks and stones in these watery places.
Status and Protection
The Majorcan midwife toad was first discovered as a fossil in 1977. At that time, it was given the name Baleaphryne muletensis. Later, when living toads were found in 1979, scientists realized it was a type of midwife toad.
Because this species is found only on Majorca, it is now protected by law. Special breeding programs have been started to help prevent these toads from becoming extinct. Scientists estimate there are about 300 to 700 breeding pairs in the wild.
The Durrell Wildlife Park used to house and breed these toads. Their goal was to release them back into the wild, which has been a successful effort.
See also
- In Spanish: Sapillo balear para niños
