Bleeding toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bleeding toad |
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Bufo cruentatus Tschudi, 1838 |
The bleeding toad, also called the fire toad or Indonesian tree toad (Leptophryne cruentata), is a unique type of true toad. It belongs to the amphibian family Bufonidae. This toad lives only on the island of Java, Indonesia. Another toad, L. javanica, was once thought to be the same species. However, scientists described it as a separate species in 2018.
Sadly, the bleeding toad is now a critically endangered species. Its numbers have dropped very quickly. Scientists believe there are fewer than 250 adult toads left. The reason for this decline isn't fully clear. But it seems to be related to a dangerous fungus. This fungus, called chytrid fungus, causes a disease in frogs and toads. The disease is known as chytridiomycosis, and it can be deadly.
What Does the Bleeding Toad Look Like?
Bleeding toads are medium-sized. Their bodies are usually dark red or purple. They have bright blood-red or yellow patterns on their backs and legs.
Male toads are about 20 to 30 millimeters long. Female toads are a bit bigger, measuring 25 to 40 millimeters. These measurements are from their snout to their rear end. They have a slender body and long legs. They got their name "bleeding toad" because of their red markings. Also, they release a special liquid from their skin when they are stressed.
Where Do Bleeding Toads Live?
Bleeding toads are found only in western Java, Indonesia. They live in a few specific places. These include the Mount Gede Pangrango National Park. They are also found around Mount Halimun Salak National Park.
These toads like to live where moist lowland areas meet mountain forests. You can usually find them at high altitudes. They live between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level. They lay their eggs and raise their young in slow-moving streams. These streams often appear only at certain times of the year.
Why Are Bleeding Toads in Danger?
The IUCN Red List says the bleeding toad is critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever. There used to be many of these toads. But their population has dropped dramatically.
One big threat is a disease called chytridiomycosis. This disease is caused by a fungus. It affects many amphibians, especially those living in mountain streams. Scientists think this fungus might be a major reason for the toad's decline. However, they haven't officially confirmed it in bleeding toads yet.
Another problem is that people visit their habitats. Tourist activities can disturb the toads. This puts stress on some groups of toads.
Climate change also adds to the danger. As temperatures get warmer, the toads' mountain homes change. They have to move to higher places to find suitable habitats. This means there is less space for them to live. Smaller habitats lead to smaller groups of toads. These smaller groups are more vulnerable to other threats. For example, they are more at risk from natural events like volcanic eruptions.
