Rhinella poeppigii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhinella poeppigii |
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The gray toad, scientifically known as Rhinella poeppigii, is a type of toad. It belongs to the Bufonidae family, which includes many different kinds of toads. You can find this toad living on the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains in countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It also lives in a place called Serranía de Sira in the Amazon region of Peru.
For a while, scientists wondered if the gray toad was just a type of Rhinella marina, which is also known as the cane toad. But now, most scientists agree that the gray toad is its own unique species. This toad was named after Eduard Friedrich Poeppig, a German scientist who explored South America and studied plants and animals.
What Does the Gray Toad Look Like?
The gray toad looks a lot like the Rhinella marina toad, but it is usually smaller. Male gray toads are about 81–111 mm (3.2–4.4 in) long from their snout to their rear end. Female toads are a bit bigger, measuring about 122–128 mm (4.8–5.0 in) long.
These toads are usually grayish-brown in color. Their skin is rough and bumpy, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. Their belly is lighter in color and might have only faint markings, or no markings at all.
Where Does the Gray Toad Live?
The gray toad lives in different kinds of forests. You can find it in cloud forests, which are high up on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. It also lives in tropical moist forests at the base of the Amazonian mountains.
These toads usually stay close to streams and other places where there is standing water. They can live at many different heights, from about 260–1,800 m (850–5,910 ft) above sea level.
Scientists believe there are plenty of gray toads, so they are not currently worried about them disappearing. Many gray toads also live in protected areas, which helps keep them safe.
See also
In Spanish: Sapo de la costa para niños
