Amietophrynus funereus
Sclerophrys funerea, also known as the Angola toad or somber toad, is a species of toad native to west-central Africa. This species is characterized by its occurrence in rainforests, typically in slightly drier elevated areas like ridge tops, where it lives among the leaf litter. It is notable for depositing its eggs in slow-flowing streams during the dry season and shows some tolerance to habitat degradation.
Key Facts
- ›Found in west-central Africa, including Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
- ›Inhabits rainforests, preferring slightly drier elevated areas such as ridge tops.
- ›Primarily a leaf litter dweller.
- ›Deposits eggs in slow-flowing streams during the dry season.
- ›Commonly referred to as the Angola toad or somber toad.
- ›Tolerates a degree of habitat degradation, though habitat loss is a localized threat.
Angola Toad, Somber Toad
Rainforest, Forest
About Amietophrynus funereus
Sclerophrys funerea: The Angola Toad
Sclerophrys funerea, commonly referred to as the Angola toad or somber toad, is a species of amphibian belonging to the Bufonidae family. This toad is indigenous to west-central Africa, with its known distribution spanning countries such as Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Habitat and Ecology
The preferred habitat for Sclerophrys funerea consists of rainforests, where it typically occupies slightly drier elevated areas, most notably ridge tops. As a leaf litter species, it plays a role in the forest floor ecosystem. The species exhibits a degree of resilience, tolerating some habitat degradation, although localized threats from habitat loss are recognized.
Reproduction
Reproductive behavior includes the deposition of eggs in slow-flowing streams. This critical phase of its life cycle is observed to occur during the dry season, indicating a specific environmental timing for breeding.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Sclerophrys funerea?
Sclerophrys funerea is commonly known as the Angola toad or the somber toad. These names are often used in reference to its geographic distribution or its appearance.
Where is Sclerophrys funerea found?
This species is found across west-central Africa. Its range extends from Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Angola eastward through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
What is the preferred habitat of the Angola toad?
The Angola toad typically inhabits rainforests. It is usually found in slightly drier areas within these forests, such as ridge tops, where it lives amongst the leaf litter.
When and where does Sclerophrys funerea reproduce?
Reproduction for this species involves depositing eggs in slow-flowing streams. This occurs during the dry season, indicating a specific environmental cue for breeding.
Related Frogs
Amietophrynus
Sclerophrys is a genus of "true toads" found in Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. These toads were originally classified under the genus Bufo, but were later separated into Amietophrynus due to significant taxonomic differences. The genus name Amietophrynus is now considered a junior synonym of Sclerophrys.
Amietophrynus buchneri
Sclerophrys buchneri, commonly known as Buchner's toad, is a species of toad belonging to the Bufonidae family. Its known distribution is limited to the Cabinda Province of Angola and the western Republic of the Congo, with presumed presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The biology of this species remains largely unstudied, and there is speculation that it might be a synonym for Sclerophrys funereus.
Amietophrynus camerunensis
Amietophrynus camerunensis, also known as the Cameroon toad or Oban toad, is a species of toad found in forests across several Central African countries. It is distinguished by its habitat preference for forests, often near slow-flowing creeks or ponds where it breeds, and its commonality within its range.