Black toad
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| Bufo exsul (Myers, 1942) |
The black toad (Bufo exsul), also known as the Deep Springs black toad, lives only in scattered oases in the Deep Springs Valley of Inyo County, California. In fact, its scientific name Bufo exsul means "exiled toad," which refers to its species' isolation in a tiny spot in the high desert wilderness of the Great Basin.
The toad's black skin is covered in white and tan speckles and it sports a white midline down its spine from head to rump. Adults are approximately 5 cm (2 inches) in length. They are active during the warmer months and overwinter underground near their native springs. This species walks rather than hops, and never strays far from water.
The habitat of the black toad is relatively intact, however it is still considered a threatened species because of its isolation and low numbers. Deep Springs College continues a program to care for the wild population of this species, and owns much of the land where its habitat is found. The grazing of cattle has been found to be beneficial for toad habitat, mostly through their trimming of thick grasses and attraction for insects, so the college allows cattle onto the land during the winter when the toads are hibernating.
[edit] Trivia
The Goose Island Beer Company of Chicago produces a "Black Toad Dark Ale" with their smalled Black Toad Brewery, which features an image of Bufo exsul on the label.
[edit] References
- ^ Hammerson (2004). Bufo exsul. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used
