Cane Toad

Description:

The cane toad is very large;[20] the females are significantly longer than males,[21] reaching an average length of 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in).[20] "Prinsen", a toad kept as a pet in Sweden, is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest recorded specimen. It reportedly weighed 2.65 kilograms (5.84 lb) and measured 38 cm (15 in) from snout to vent, or 54 cm (21 in) when fully extended.[22] Larger toads tend to be found in areas of lower population density.[23] They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years in the wild,[24] and can live considerably longer in captivity, with one specimen reportedly surviving for 35 years.[25] The skin of the cane toad is dry and warty.[20] It has distinct ridges above the eyes, which run down the snout.[16] Individual cane toads can be grey, yellowish, red-brown or olive-brown, with varying patterns.[26] A large parotoid gland lies behind each eye.[20] The ventral surface is cream-coloured and may have blotches in shades of black or brown. The pupils are horizontal and the irises golden.[17] The toes have a fleshy webbing at their base,[20] and the fingers are free of webbing.[26] The juvenile cane toad is much smaller than the adult cane toad at 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) long. Typically, they have smooth, dark skin, although some specimens have a red wash. Juveniles lack the adults' large parotoid glands, so they are usually less poisonous.[23] The tadpoles are small and uniformly black, and are bottom-dwellers, tending to form schools.[27] Tadpoles range from 10 to 25 mm (0.39 to 0.98 in) in length.[28] The cane toad was first introduced deliberately into the Philippines in 1930 as a biological control agent of pests in sugarcane plantations. This was done after the 'success' of the experimental introductions into Puerto Rico.[84][85] It subsequently became the most ubiquitous amphibian in the islands. It still retains the common name of kamprag in the Visayan languages, a corruption of 'American frog', referring to its origins.[83] It is also commonly known as 'bullfrog' in Philippine English.[86]

Habitat:

The common name "Marine Toad" and the scientific name Bufo marinus suggest a link to marine life,[29] but the adult cane toad is entirely terrestrial, only venturing to freshwater to breed. Tadpoles have been found to tolerate salt concentrations equivalent to at most 15% that of seawater.[30] The cane toad inhabits open grassland and woodland, and has displayed a "distinct preference" for areas that have been modified by humans, such as gardens and drainage ditches.[31] In their native habitats, the toads can be found in subtropical forests,[28] although dense foliage tends to limit their dispersal.[32]

Notes:

Saw this frog jumping around during a heavy rain in our yard.