Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Chytridiomycosis, an infectious disease of amphibians, has been reported in common toads in Spain and the United Kingdom and may affect some populations. [1] There are parts of its range where the common toad seems to be in decline. In Spain, increased aridity and habitat loss have led to a diminution in numbers and it is regarded as "near ...
The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) causes a skin disease in many amphibian species. It is spread mainly via either contact with aquatic habitats that are high in chytrid fungus load or exposure to infected individuals, but it affects amphibians by feeding on the keratin they produce, which causes keratosis. [ 10 ]
Excessive shedding of skin is seen in most frog species affected by B. dendrobatidis. [6] [26] These pieces of shed skin are described as opaque, gray-white, and tan. [6] Some of these patches of skin are also found adhered to the skin of the amphibians. [6] These signs of infection are often seen 12–15 days following exposure. [20]
Toad is a common name for certain frogs, especially of the family Bufonidae, that are characterized by dry, leathery skin, short legs, and large bumps covering the parotoid glands. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] In popular culture ( folk taxonomy ), toads are distinguished from frogs by their drier, rougher skin and association with more terrestrial habitats. [ 3 ]
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have learned to pull a toad away from a pond by the back leg, turn it on its back and start feeding on its belly, a strategy that keeps the raccoon well away from the poison glands. [5] Unlike other vertebrates, this amphibian obtains water mostly by osmotic absorption across its abdomen. Toads in the family Bufonidae ...
Adult western toads are preyed upon by common ravens (Corvus corax) and probably by other birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals as well. [ 15 ] [ 16 ] A badger ( Taxidea taxus ) was recorded as having consumed five adult Anaxyrus (probably western toad, as it was the only Anaxyrus species in the area) in Wyoming.
A number of diseases have been related to mass die-offs or declines in populations of amphibians, including "red-leg" disease (Aeromonas hydrophila), Ranavirus (family Iridoviridae), Anuraperkinsus, and chytridiomycosis. It is not entirely clear why these diseases have suddenly begun to affect amphibian populations, but some evidence suggests ...
The skin fragments that were found in their stomach are an indication that these frogs commit cannibalism or eat their own skin which is common among amphibians. Based on these results, P. pipa is an ambush predator that will opportunistically eat anything that falls into the water or that it may encounter when occasionally foraging on land. [14]