Amietophrynus gutturalis
Amietophrynus gutturalis, also known as the African common toad or guttural toad, is a large toad species native to a wide region of Africa, spanning from Kenya to South Africa. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse habitats including forests, savannas, and wetlands, and it is characterized by buffish-brown upper surfaces with dark markings and prominent parotid glands.
Key Facts
- ›Found across a broad swathe of Africa, from Kenya west to Angola and south to South Africa.
- ›Males can reach up to 90 MM and females up to 120 MM in snout-to-vent length.
- ›Distinguished by a buffish-brown coloration with irregular dark brown markings, a cross-like mark between the eyes, and a pale stripe down the spine.
- ›Breeding occurs primarily in October and November, with males emitting a distinctive guttural 'snore'.
- ›Eggs are laid in double strings, and tadpoles develop for approximately 75 days.
- ›Considered very common and adaptable, with no major predators and minimal impact from habitat loss.
African Common Toad, Guttural Toad
Forest, Savanna, Wetlands, Grassland, Shrubland, Arid Zones, Freshwater Lakes, Freshwater Marshes, Agricultural Land, Urban Areas, Gardens
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, RéUnion, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Buffish-Brown Upper Surface With Variable Dark Brown Markings
- Two Pairs of Brown Spots Between the Eyes Forming A Cross-Like Mark
- Often A Pale Stripe Down the Spine
- Arms Edged By Distinctive White Tubercles
- Red Patch On the Back of the Thighs
- Prominent Parotid Glands
- Male With A Dark Throat
About Amietophrynus gutturalis
Amietophrynus gutturalis: The African Common Toad
What is Amietophrynus gutturalis?
Amietophrynus gutturalis, commonly known as the African common toad or guttural toad, is a widespread species of toad belonging to the family Bufonidae. This species is native to a vast geographical area in Africa, extending from Kenya westward to Angola and southward to South Africa. Its remarkable adaptability allows it to thrive in a multitude of environments, contributing to its commonality and increasing population in many regions.
Habitat and Distribution
The guttural toad inhabits a diverse range of natural and anthropogenic landscapes. Its natural habitats include forests, savannas, and various wetland ecosystems. More specifically, it can be found in subtropical and tropical dry and moist lowland and montane forests, dry and moist savannas, temperate and subtropical shrublands, and grasslands, including high-altitude and seasonally wet or flooded areas. Amietophrynus gutturalis also readily colonizes human-modified environments such as arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, urban areas, heavily degraded former forests, ponds, canals, and ditches. Its presence is recorded across numerous African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Physical Description
This is a large toad species. Adult males typically measure up to 90 mm (3.5 inches) in snout-to-vent length, while females are larger, reaching up to 120 mm (4.7 inches). The upper surface of Amietophrynus gutturalis is generally buffish-brown, marked with irregular dark brown blotches. A distinctive feature is the presence of two pairs of brown spots between the eyes, which can form a cross-like pattern, and often a pale stripe runs longitudinally down the spine. The arms are edged with conspicuous white tubercles, and a red patch is frequently observed on the back of the thighs. The underparts are pale and possess a granular texture, with males exhibiting a dark throat coloration. The parotid glands are prominent, and the toes are only slightly webbed.
Biology and Reproduction
Male guttural toads call throughout the year, but the primary breeding season is concentrated in October and November. Their call is a distinctive guttural 'snore,' repeated at intervals of approximately three seconds. These vocalizations are often produced from the surface of permanent water bodies, leading to large congregations where a chorus of calls can be heard. Eggs are laid in double strings, which may become entwined around submerged vegetation. The tadpoles undergo a developmental period of around 75 days before metamorphosing into adult toads. Such is the abundance of tadpoles that they can emerge from ponds in such numbers as to carpet the ground, making them a significant food source for predators.
Conservation Status
Amietophrynus gutturalis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is considered a very common species and is actively spreading throughout southern Africa due to its increasing population. Its ability to adapt to a wide variety of environments, coupled with a lack of significant natural predators and minimal impact from habitat loss, contributes to its robust conservation status.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the geographic range of Amietophrynus gutturalis?
Amietophrynus gutturalis is found across a wide region of Africa. Its distribution stretches from Kenya in the west to Angola and southwards to South Africa, encompassing countries like Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
What are the typical physical characteristics of the guttural toad?
The guttural toad is a large species, with males reaching up to 90 mm and females up to 120 mm in snout-to-vent length. Its upper surface is typically buffish-brown with variable dark brown markings, often featuring a pale stripe down the spine and two pairs of brown spots between the eyes.
When does Amietophrynus gutturalis breed?
The main breeding period for Amietophrynus gutturalis is during October and November. Males call throughout the year, but these months are when significant congregations and egg-laying occur.
What sounds does the guttural toad make?
The males of Amietophrynus gutturalis produce a distinctive vocalization described as a guttural 'snore'. This sound is repeated at intervals of about three seconds and can form a chorus when many males congregate.
What is the conservation status of the African common toad?
The African common toad, Amietophrynus gutturalis, is considered very common and is spreading through southern Africa. Its adaptability to various environments and lack of major predators contribute to its stable population.
Related Frogs
Amietophrynus maculatus
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Adelphobates castaneoticus
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