Moroccan spadefoot toad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moroccan spadefoot toad |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pelobates
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| Species: |
varaldii
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The Moroccan spadefoot toad (scientific name: Pelobates varaldii) is a special kind of frog that belongs to the Pelobatidae family. It is also called the Moroccan spadefoot or Varaldi's spadefoot toad. This unique toad lives only in the coastal areas of northwestern Morocco. Its scientific name, varaldii, honors Marcel Varaldi, who collected amphibians and reptiles in Morocco.
Contents
About the Moroccan Spadefoot Toad
What Does It Look Like?
The Moroccan spadefoot toad has a stocky, strong body. Male toads usually grow up to about 6.5 centimeters (2.5 inches) long from their snout to their rear. Female toads are a bit larger, reaching about 7 centimeters (2.7 inches).
Its snout, which is its nose area, is quite sharp. The toad has a tympanum (like an eardrum), but it is hard to see. Unlike some other toads, it does not have parotoid glands, which are glands behind the eyes that can produce toxins.
The skin on its back is a bit bumpy and smooth. It is usually grey-brown with darker, uneven marks. Sometimes, it has red speckles above its eyes. The underside of its body is white.
Special Features
The hind feet of the Moroccan spadefoot toad have large bumps called metatarsal tubercles. These bumps help the toad dig into the ground. Its toes are also webbed, which helps it move in water.
Sounds and Tadpoles
Male Moroccan spadefoot toads make a loud, harsh clucking sound to attract mates. This is called an advertisement call.
The young toads, called tadpoles, can grow quite large. They can reach up to 13 centimeters (5 inches) in length.
Habitat and Life Cycle
Where Do They Live?
The Moroccan spadefoot toad lives in lowland areas with sandy, untouched soils. Sometimes, you can find them near cork woodlands. They live at elevations below 350 meters (1,150 feet).
This toad is generally fossorial, which means it spends most of its time digging and living underground.
Reproduction and Diet
Spawning, which is when the toads lay their eggs, usually happens in temporary pools of standing water. These can be places like dayas (seasonal ponds) or puddles formed by rain.
The tadpoles live in the water. They eat tiny plants and animals called plankton, as well as dead organic matter (detritus).
Conservation Status
Threats to Their Survival
The Moroccan spadefoot toad does not live in areas changed by humans. It is threatened by things that harm its natural home. One big threat is habitat loss. This happens when land is changed into pastures for livestock.
Pollution of ponds with animal waste also harms them. Another threat is an introduced fish called Gambusia holbrooki. This fish can eat the toad's eggs or tadpoles.
Protected Areas
There is a chance that this species lives in the Merja Zerga Biological Reserve. This reserve is a protected area that helps keep wildlife safe. Protecting these areas is very important for the future of the Moroccan spadefoot toad.
