Balearic green toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balearic green toad |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bufotes
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| Species: |
balearicus
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| Synonyms | |
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Bufo balearicus Boettger, 1880 |
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The Balearic green toad (Bufotes balearicus) is a fascinating amphibian. It's a type of toad that belongs to the true toad family, known as Bufonidae. You can find these toads in Italy and on several islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. They usually live in low-lying areas, but they can also be found in central Italy at heights of up to 1,300 meters (about 4,265 feet) above sea level.
Where Do They Live?
Even though its name mentions "Balearic," this toad is actually native to Italy. It lives in most parts of Italy, except for the very northeast, southeast, and southwest. It also calls Corsica home, which is a large island near Italy.
The Balearic green toad was likely brought to the Balearic Islands a very long time ago, even before recorded history. There, it is quite common, but its numbers are slowly decreasing. This toad used to live in Switzerland, and there have been attempts to bring it back, but so far, these haven't worked out.
In some areas, the Balearic green toad's home overlaps with other similar toad species. In far northeastern Italy, it meets the European green toad (B. viridis). In eastern Sicily, it can be found near the Sicilian green toad (B. boulengeri siculus).
What Makes Them Special?
For a long time, scientists thought the Balearic green toad was the same as the European green toad. However, new studies using genetic information (like DNA) have shown that it is its own unique species.
When the Balearic green toad lives in the same areas as the European green toad, they can sometimes have babies together. This is called hybridization. But when it comes to the Sicilian green toad, mixing is very rare.
All three of these toad species look very much alike. However, you can often tell the Balearic green toad apart by looking at its paratoid glands. These are special glands located behind their eyes. On the Balearic green toad, these glands often have brownish or reddish spots.
