True toad

Bufo bufo

File:Grodsång - Bufo bufo.ogg

Vanlig padda - Bufo bufo

Bufo americanus Side

True toads are a group of amphibians that are part of the family Bufonidae. This family is known for its wide distribution and diverse species, which inhabit a variety of environments across the globe. True toads are characterized by their dry, warty skin, short legs, and large parotoid glands behind their eyes, which secrete a milky toxin as a defense mechanism against predators.

Characteristics

True toads typically have a robust, squat body and a wide head. Their skin is thick and covered with warts or bumps, which can vary in size and number among different species. The coloration of true toads can also vary widely, often serving as camouflage that helps them blend into their surroundings. They have well-developed parotoid glands that produce bufotoxin, a substance that can be harmful or even lethal to many of their predators.

Unlike many other amphibians, true toads do not have teeth in their upper jaws. They have a large, sticky tongue that they use to catch prey. Their diet mainly consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.

Reproduction

The reproduction of true toads involves external fertilization. During the breeding season, males call to attract females. The male then clasps the female in a position known as amplexus to fertilize the eggs as she lays them. True toads lay their eggs in long strings in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which are fully aquatic. Over time, the tadpoles undergo metamorphosis, during which they develop legs, lose their tails, and undergo other physiological changes to become terrestrial adults.

Habitat and Distribution

True toads are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas. They are adaptable and can live in close proximity to humans. True toads are primarily nocturnal and spend the day hidden in burrows or under vegetation to avoid dehydration and predation.

Conservation

Many species of true toads are facing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and diseases such as chytridiomycosis. Conservation efforts are underway in various parts of the world to protect these amphibians and their habitats. Efforts include habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and research into disease management.

Notable Species

Some notable species of true toads include the Common toad (Bufo bufo), the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), and the Cane toad (Rhinella marina), which is infamous for its invasive impact in regions outside its native range.