Mindanao flathead toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mindanao flathead toad |
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Nectophryne lighti Taylor, 1920 |
The Pelophryne lighti, also known as the Mindanao flathead toad or eastern Mindanao dwarf toad, is a very small type of toad. It belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. This special toad is found only in the Philippines, meaning it is endemic to that country.
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About the Mindanao Flathead Toad
This tiny toad is very small. Adult toads are usually about 16 to 18.5 millimeters (0.6 to 0.7 inches) long. That's shorter than your thumb!
It has clear eardrums, called a tympanum, which are quite big. They are about half to three-quarters the size of its eye. Its fingertips are wide and flat, like small discs. The tips of its outer toes are rounded.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female Pelophryne lighti toads lay large eggs compared to their body size. Each egg is about 2 to 2.5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.1 inches) wide. However, they lay only a few eggs at a time. For example, one female toad was found with only four eggs in one of her ovaries. The tadpoles of this toad live in water.
Where It Lives and Its Home
The Mindanao flathead toad is found on several islands in the Philippines. These include Bohol, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
It likes to live near rivers in mountain and lowland forests. You can find it at high places, from about 1,000 to 2,200 meters (3,300 to 7,200 feet) above sea level. This toad can even live in places where the forest has been slightly changed by people. It often lives in trees and plants, which is called an arboreal habitat.
Challenges for the Toad
Even though this toad can be common in some areas, it faces threats. Its forest home is shrinking because of farming and logging. This is called habitat loss. Also, pollution from farms and mines can harm the mountain streams and rivers where it lives.
The good news is that the Mindanao flathead toad lives in several protected areas. These areas help keep its home safe.
