Cape Mountain Toad

morphology

The dorsum is smooth and soft with scattered blister-like ridges and warts on the back and sides, while the posterior region of the ventrum has heavily granulated skin. The parotoid glands are distinct and have an inverted pear shape (when viewed from the rear). There is no webbing between the toes and the hind limbs are relatively short and better adapted for walking and running than for jumping (Poynton 1964; Wager 1965). Power and Rose (1929) explain that during the breeding season a bright pink, oval patch appears below the vent in both sexes (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program). C. rosei body is shaded in a variety of colours from grey to brown; there are also several light coloured bands present. Red and orange colouring are found on the parotoid glands. The underside of the frog is white with dark markings (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians

conservation

C. rosei was previously listed as Restricted (Branch 1988) and is presently listed as Vulnerable (Harrison et al. 2001). The species has a restricted and fragmented distribution (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians

diagnostic

C. rosei is a small toad with an elongate body and females that are much larger than males.

African Amphibians

distribution

C. rosei is endemic to the winter-rainfall region of Western Cape Province in South Africa (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians