Sclerophrys tuberosa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sclerophrys tuberosa |
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The Rough Toad (also known as Sclerophrys tuberosa) is a type of toad that belongs to the Bufonidae family. You can find this toad in parts of central Africa. It lives in countries like southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. It also lives in the northern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. People sometimes call it the Warty Toad or the Fernando Po Toad because of how it looks.
What the Rough Toad Looks Like
Male Rough Toads are about 48 mm (1.9 in) long. Female toads are larger, growing up to 74 mm (2.9 in) long. This measurement is from their snout (nose) to their vent (tail end).
These toads have a strong, compact body. Their snout is short, and their eyes are quite large. They have very big parotoid glands behind their eyes. These glands can release a milky substance to protect them from predators.
Their back skin is covered with many long, spiny warts. Their belly skin feels bumpy, like tiny grains. Their toes have small amounts of webbing between them.
The toad's back can be light to dark brown. It often has irregular black spots. Sometimes, a light line runs down the middle of its back. Its legs have black stripes. The belly is usually yellow with darker spots or blotches.
Sounds They Make
Male Rough Toads make a quiet, low-pitched call. It sounds like "rrrou" or "rroua." This call helps them attract female toads.
Where They Live and How They Are Protected
The Rough Toad lives in moist, low-lying tropical rainforests. They prefer swampy areas and avoid dry forests. These toads usually live in lowlands. However, they can be found at higher places, up to 1,050 m (3,440 ft) or even 1,300 m (4,300 ft) above sea level.
Rough Toads lay their eggs in small streams. The male toads call from hidden spots near the water.
This toad is very common in some areas, like Cameroon. But it is rarer in other parts of its range. The Rough Toad can handle some changes to its home, like living in forests that have grown back. However, it cannot survive outside of forests. This means that losing forests is a big problem for them. Luckily, these toads live in several protected areas.
