Korean water toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Korean water toad |
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The Korean water toad (Bufo stejnegeri) is a special kind of toad. You might also hear it called the Korean toad, water toad, or Stejneger's toad. These toads live in East Asia.
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About the Korean Water Toad
The Korean water toad is a fascinating amphibian. It was first described in 1931 by a scientist named Karl Patterson Schmidt. Like other toads, it has bumpy skin and lives both on land and near water.
Where Do They Live?
Korean water toads are found in two main areas. One group lives in the eastern part of Liaoning province in northeastern China. The other group lives in the central mountains of the Korean Peninsula.
In South Korea, you can find them in places like eastern Gyeonggi (especially Gapyeong) and Gangwon-do. They particularly like the Odaesan mountain area. Scientists believe there might be other groups of these toads living between central Korea and Liaoning.
Their Habitat and Habits
These toads prefer to live inland, usually at heights between 200 and 700 meters above sea level. As their name suggests, they love water! You'll often find them in wooded areas near streams and rivers. These places are called riparian areas.
Korean water toads usually breed and lay their eggs in the water of streams and rivers. They are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. However, during the summer rains, especially during the East Asian monsoon, you might see them active during the day too.
Important Safety Tip
It's important to know that Korean water toads, like many other toads, are poisonous. They have special glands on their skin that release substances to protect them from predators. Because of this, you should never touch or try to eat a wild toad. It's always best to observe wild animals from a safe distance.
