The Amatola toad (Vandijkophrynus amatolicus) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the Eastern Cape province, South Africa, where it is known from the Winterberg and Amathole Mountains.[1][2][3] The specific name refers to the type locality, "Amatola Range, near Hogsback".[2][4]
| Amatola toad | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Bufonidae |
| Genus: | Vandijkophrynus |
| Species: | V. amatolicus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Hewitt, 1925)
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Description
editAmatola toads are small toads, with females reaching 38 mm (1.5 in) in snout–vent length. The dorsum is usually uniform dark grey or olive-brown with a distinct, pale, vertebral stripe. Parotoid glands are well developed. There are numerous small, flattened warts on the dorsal surface. The tadpoles are brown in colour.[3][4]
Habitat and conservation
editIts natural habitats are high-altitude moist grasslands. Reproduction takes place in shallow temporary pools and seepages,[1] including pools formed in vehicle tracks.[3]
The species is known to congregate in large numbers to breed. However, it was not observed in 1998–2009 despite numerous searches, and the species was feared to be extinct.[1] In 2011, an adult female and many tadpoles were again discovered, on a site that had been searched before. Detection seems to require suitable weather, i.e., heavy rains that trigger breeding.[3]
The main threats to Amatola toad are loss of grassland through afforestation, overgrazing, and fires.[1] Forestry vehicle use during the breeding season can be detrimental to the tadpoles and breeding adults.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.; South African Frog Re-assessment Group; et al. (SA-FRoG) (2017). "Vandijkophrynus amatolicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T3176A77163458. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T3176A77163458.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2015). "Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Hewitt, 1925)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 19 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Tarrant, Jeanne & Michael J. Cunningham (2011). "Rediscovery of the elusive Amatola Toad Vandijkophrynus amatolicus: twice seen in twenty-six years" (PDF). African Herp News. 55 (December 2011): 1–6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-19.
- ^ a b R.C. Boycott (2014). "Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Hewitt, 1925)". African Amphibians. Retrieved 19 December 2015.