Bufo marinus

Bufo Marinus is a species of large, terrestrial toad that is native to Central and South America. It is commonly known as the Cane Toad and is a member of the family Bufonidae, the true toads.

Description

Bufo Marinus is one of the largest species of toads. Adult males can reach a length of 15 cm, while females can grow up to 23 cm. The toad's skin is dry and warty, and it has a pair of large parotoid glands behind the eyes. These glands produce a toxic secretion that the toad uses for defense against predators.

Distribution and Habitat

The natural range of Bufo Marinus extends from the southern United States to the central Amazon and southeastern Peru. However, the species has been introduced to various other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and Australia, where it has become an invasive species. The toad is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from rainforests and savannas to suburban gardens and urban areas.

Behavior and Ecology

Bufo Marinus is a nocturnal species that spends the day hiding in burrows or under vegetation. It emerges at night to feed on a wide variety of invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates. The toad's large size and voracious appetite have contributed to its success as an invasive species in areas where it has been introduced.

Reproduction

The breeding season of Bufo Marinus coincides with the rainy season. Males call to attract females, and the female lays thousands of eggs in long strings in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which metamorphose into toadlets after a few weeks.

Conservation Status

While Bufo Marinus is not currently considered threatened, its introduction to non-native habitats has had significant ecological impacts. In Australia, for example, the toad has been linked to declines in native predator populations due to its toxic secretions.

See Also

• Invasive species
• Bufonidae
• Amphibians of Australia