Colorado River toad

Colorado River Toad

The Colorado River Toad (Incilius alvarius), also known as the Sonoran Desert Toad, is a large, semi-aquatic amphibian species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is the largest toad in the United States, with adults commonly reaching lengths of 7.5 inches (19 cm).

Distribution and Habitat

The Colorado River Toad is found in the lower Colorado River and the Gila River catchment areas, in southeastern California, New Mexico, Mexico and much of southern Arizona. It lives in both desert and semi-arid areas throughout its range. The toad is nocturnal, spending the day in burrows to avoid the heat, and is most active during the rainy season.

Description

The Colorado River Toad is recognized by its smooth, leathery skin and olive green to dark brown coloration. The toad has a large, round body with a short snout and two bulbous glands on its head, known as parotoid glands, which produce a potent toxin.

Behavior and Diet

The Colorado River Toad is an opportunistic feeder, eating a wide variety of insects, small mammals, and other amphibians. It is also known for its unusual defensive behavior. When threatened, it can puff up its body to appear larger and secrete a toxic substance from its parotoid glands.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place in shallow bodies of water, where the female lays thousands of eggs and the male fertilizes them externally. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which undergo metamorphosis into toads within several weeks.

Conservation Status

The Colorado River Toad is not currently considered endangered, but its habitat is threatened by human encroachment and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its natural habitat and monitoring population levels.

In Popular Culture

The Colorado River Toad has gained some notoriety due to its potent toxin, which can cause hallucinogenic effects if ingested. This has led to instances of recreational use and legal issues in some areas.

See Also

• Amphibians of the United States
• Toads
• Colorado River

References

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  Colorado River toad
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  Colorado River toad in Sonoran Desert
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  Colorado River toad
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  Sonoran toad