Aquatic swamp toad

Pseudobufo subasper

TAXONOMY

Pseudobufo subasper Tschudi, 1838, Borneo.

OTHER COMMON NAMES

None known.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

This is a large toad, with males 3.03–3.7 in (77–94 mm) and females 3.62–6.1 in (92–155 mm) in snout-vent length. In general, most toads have relatively unremarkable body shapes and are terrestrial. They have not really invaded the aquatic or arboreal niches. Pseudobufo subasper is an exception. This toad is basically a Bufo that has become an aquatic specialist. The feet are fully webbed, and the webbing is thin, in contrast to the rather thick webbing found in most toads. The nostrils are placed dorsally, and the fingers are slender and unwebbed. The vertebral column exhibits a reduction in ossification that is consistent with it being an aquatic species. Paratoid glands are present.

DISTRIBUTION

This toad is found in the Indonesian province of Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia.

HABITAT

These toads are found associated with pools in swampy areas near large rivers.

BEHAVIOR

Little information is available for these toads; it is not known when they call or breed.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Not known.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Not known.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not listed by the IUCN.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

None known.