Nimbaphrynoides facts for kids

Nimbaphrynoides is a group of small, special toads. They are also known as "true toads." These toads live in the high mountains of the Mount Nimba region. This area is found in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Sadly, these toads are in great danger. They are listed as Critically Endangered. This means they are very close to disappearing forever. Their homes are being destroyed, mainly because of habitat loss. Also, mining for iron and bauxite in their small living areas is a big problem.

What makes Nimbaphrynoides toads truly unique is how they have babies. Unlike most frogs and toads, they do not lay eggs. Instead, they are viviparous. This means the babies grow inside the mother's body. The female toad gives birth to tiny, fully formed toadlets. Nectophrynoides and Nimbaphrynoides are the only known frogs or toads that have live births.

Types of Nimba Toads

There are two known types, or species, of Nimbaphrynoides toads:

How Nimba Toads Reproduce

These toads have a very special way of having babies. Most frogs and toads lay their eggs in water. But Nimbaphrynoides toads do not.

Live Births and Development

The female Nimbaphrynoides toad keeps her babies inside her body. The eggs are fertilized inside her. The tiny toadlets grow and develop fully within the mother. When they are ready, she gives birth to them as small, complete toadlets. This is called live birth. It is very rare for amphibians.

Amplexus: Toad Hugs

Before the female can become pregnant, the male and female toads perform something called amplexus. This is when the male toad holds onto the female's back. They stay like this for a while. This position helps with internal fertilization, which is needed for the live birth process.

Where Nimba Toads Live

These toads are found only in a specific part of West Africa. They live in the highlands of the Mount Nimba region. This area is shared by three countries: Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Their Mountain Home

The Mount Nimba region is known for its tall mountains and unique environment. The toads need this specific type of habitat to survive. Their small living areas make them very vulnerable to changes in the environment.

Why Nimba Toads Are Endangered

The biggest threat to Nimbaphrynoides toads is the loss of their homes.

Habitat Destruction

People are clearing land for farming and other uses. This destroys the forests and natural areas where these toads live. When their habitat is gone, they have nowhere to go.

Mining Activities

The Mount Nimba region has valuable minerals like iron and bauxite. Mining these minerals involves digging up large areas of land. This process destroys the toads' homes and pollutes their environment. Because their living area is already small, mining has a huge impact on their survival.

Images for kids

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  Young female towards the end of the rainy season

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  Female and male in amplexus