Xinjiang toad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Xinjiang toad
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Bufo viridis var. Pewzowi Bedriaga, 1898 Bufo viridis var. strauchi Bedriaga, 1898 Bufo viridis var. grum-grzimailoi Bedriaga, 1898 Bufo viridis unicolor Kashchenko, 1909 Bufo nouettei Mocquard, 1910 Bufo viridis asiomontanus Pisanets and Shcherbak, 1979 Bufo tianschanica Toktosunov, 1984 Bufo danatensis taxkorensis Fei, Ye, and Huang, 1999 Bufo danatensis pewzowi (Bedriaga, 1898) Bufo tianschanicus Toktosunov, 1984 (correction of gender) Bufo taxkorensis (Fei, Ye, and Huang, 1999) Pseudepidalea pewzowi (Bedriaga, 1898) Pseudepidalea taxkorensis (Fei, Ye, and Huang, 1999) (Incomplete list, please expand)

The Bufotes pewzowi is a type of toad found in the Bufonidae family. It lives in the dry plains and mountains of Central Asia. You can find it in countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It also lives in the mountains and deserts of Western China and Mongolia. Sometimes, it's even found in northern Afghanistan and parts of Russia.

This toad is named after Mikhail Pevtsov. He was a Russian explorer who studied geography and made maps. People also call this toad the Xinjiang toad or Pewzow's toad.

What Does the Pewzow's Toad Look Like?

The Bufotes pewzowi is a special kind of toad. It has twice the usual number of chromosomes, which means it's a "tetraploid" species. This toad came about when two other toad species, Bufotes latastii and Bufotes perrini, had babies together. This is called hybridization.

Adult male toads are usually about 5.2 to 7.7 centimeters (2 to 3 inches) long. Adult females are a bit bigger, measuring about 5.0 to 8.6 centimeters (2 to 3.4 inches) long.

Young toads, called tadpoles, are quite long. When they are developing, they can be about 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) in total length. Their tail makes up almost two-thirds of their body length!

Where Do Pewzow's Toads Live?

The Bufotes pewzowi lives in many different dry places. These include dry grasslands, steppes, and deserts. They also live in mountains, from the lower hills all the way up to high meadows. Some have been found over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level!

The baby toads, or tadpoles, grow up in water. They can be found in oases, ponds, and pools. This toad is very common and can even live in areas where humans have changed the habitat a lot.

Protecting the Pewzow's Toad

Scientists don't think this toad is in much danger right now. It's a very common species. However, it can be harmed if its home changes too much. Sometimes, people also collect these toads for traditional medicine.

Good news! This toad probably lives in several protected areas. These special places help keep its habitat safe.