Sclerophrys taiensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sclerophrys taiensis |
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The Tai toad (Sclerophrys taiensis) is a type of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. It was first found in the Taï National Park in southwestern Ivory Coast. This park is its "type locality," meaning it's where the species was first officially described.
Tai toads are also found in the Gola Rainforest National Park in southeastern Sierra Leone. Scientists believe they might also live in nearby Liberia.
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What Does the Tai Toad Look Like?
Tai toads are fairly small. Male toads grow to about 33 mm (1.3 in) long. Female toads are a bit larger, reaching about 38 mm (1.5 in) in length. This measurement is from their snout to their rear end.
Their bodies are compact, meaning they are quite sturdy. They have a short snout and relatively large eyes. A special feature of these toads is their very large parotoid glands. These glands are located behind their eyes and can release a milky substance for defense.
Skin and Color
The skin on the Tai toad's back is very warty. These warts often have spiny tips, making the toad feel rough. On their belly, their skin is granular, meaning it has many small bumps, also with tiny spines.
Their color can range from grey to brown. They often have irregular black spots and streaks on their back. Their legs usually have black stripes across them. The underside of the toad is black, but it has grey to blue-white spots. Their toes have a small amount of webbing between them.
Where Do Tai Toads Live?
The Tai toad lives in primary lowland rainforests. These are old, untouched forests that are close to forest streams. It is thought that they lay their eggs and have their young in these streams, similar to another toad species called Sclerophrys tuberosa.
Protecting the Tai Toad
The Tai toad is a rare species. Even in places that have been studied a lot, like Taï National Park, only a few of these toads have been found. This means they are not very common.
The biggest threat to the Tai toad is the loss of its forest home. Forests are being cut down for different reasons. These include creating farms for crops like cacao, rubber, and oil palms. Trees are also cut down for timber, and human settlements are expanding into forest areas.
Even though some Tai toad populations live inside national parks, these parks need better management and protection. This will help ensure that the toads and their forest homes are safe for the future.
