Nectophrynoides facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nectophrynoides
Kihansi Spray Toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Bufonidae
Genus:	Nectophrynoides Buchholz & Peters In Peters, 1875

Nectophrynoides is a special group of true toads. They live in the Eastern Arc forests and wet areas of Tanzania, a country in East Africa. What makes these toads super unique is how they have babies! Unlike almost all other frogs and toads, Nectophrynoides don't lay eggs. Instead, the mothers give birth to tiny, fully formed toadlets. They are one of only two groups of frogs and toads in the world that do this.

Where They Live

These special toads live in the beautiful Eastern Arc forests and wet areas of Tanzania. These forests are very important because they are home to many unique animals and plants found nowhere else in the world.

How Nectophrynoides Toads Have Babies: Life Cycle

Most frogs and toads lay their eggs in water, and then the eggs hatch into tadpoles. But Nectophrynoides toads are different! They are what we call viviparous. This means the babies grow inside the mother's body, just like some mammals do. The mother gives birth to tiny, fully developed toadlets that look like miniature versions of the adults. This is very rare for amphibians!

Meet the Nectophrynoides Toads

There are several different kinds of Nectophrynoides toads. Here are some of them:

Are They in Danger?

Sadly, almost all species of Nectophrynoides toads are threatened. This means they are in danger of disappearing forever. Only one species, N. tornieri, is not currently considered threatened. Protecting their forest homes is very important to help these unique toads survive.

See also

In Spanish: Nectophrynoides para niños