Surinam Toad

The Surinam Toad is a resident of eastern South America and Trinidad.

It usually lies motionless at the bottom of ponds, generally returning to the surface for air every half hour. It does not leave the water voluntarily. It looks like a dry leaf or something dead and this appearance makes it undetectable to prey and predators. They lack a tongue and use the toes on their forelimbs to search for food at the bottom of ponds and bring food to their mouths.

The female lays a clutch of about 100 eggs that are fertilised by the male and then attached to the female's back where they sink into the skin. After 12-20 weeks, the hatchlings emerge from her back fully formed.

Conservation Status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated