Fig 1
Fig 2
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Family : BUFONIDAE
Species : 'Bufo sp.'
Size (snout to vent) : estimated 7-8 cm
The images presented here
are of a species of toad from Johor, Peninsular Malaysia
found in December 2006. Comparison of these images with other bufonids from
Peninsular Malaysia, particularly those from the genera Duttaphrynus
and Ingerophrynus, suggests this may tentatively be an undescribed
species.
The ridges on top of the head and the shape of the paratoid gland bear some
similarity with those of the Four-ridged Toad
Ingerophrynus quadriporcatus, however the robust form and general body shape appear different to
I. quadriporcatus,
the size is somewhat larger, and the mottled flanks and pale
underside are significantly different.
Tentatively, this toad may be part of the Bufo biporcatus/divergens
species group, based on the prominent ridges on the head and the elongated
paratoid gland.
The most noticeable difference between this toad and
I. quadriporcatus, is its call. The call of the latter has an easily
recognisable call which comprises a repeated, dual-syllabic croaking (with
the second syllable at a lower frequency than the first), whilst the call of
the unidentified toad was monotonous (and the sum effect of many toads
calling at the same time produced a sound which, from a distance, was rather like
the droning of a swarm of bees or
flies).
In November 2012, Dr. Leong Tzi Ming encountered a similar toad from Rompin,
Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia and recorded a videograph of a single toad
calling.
Play
video
►
Both encounters with this potentially undescribed species were in areas of
waterlogged, flooded lowland forest during the north-east monsoon (which
occurs between November and January).
Fig 1 : Example from Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, at the margin
of a shallow, temporary pool in lowland forest (and close to the edge of
extensive freshwater swamp forest).
Fig 2 : Mating pair in amplexus.
Thanks to Leong Tzi Ming for assistance.
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