Karoo toad
A species of Southern toads Scientific name : Vandijkophrynus gariepensis Genus : Southern toads
Karoo toad, A species of Southern toads
Scientific name: Vandijkophrynus gariepensis
Genus: Southern toads
Content
Description General Info
Photo By willemvzyl , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Karoo toad, Gariep toad, or mountain toad (Vandijkophrynus gariepensis) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae found in southern Namibia, much of South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. It is an abundant species that occurs in many types habitat: fynbos heathland, succulent karoo, thickets, grassland, and Nama Karoo. Breeding takes place in permanent and temporary waterbodies (e.g., streams, waterholes, lakes, rain pools, even hoof prints). There are no signifi
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Karoo toad chiefly subsists on a carnivorous diet, favoring a variety of insects primarily. Specific preference is noted for arachnids and myriapods, along with substantial consumption of beetles and ants.
Appearance
Karoo toad is small and toad-like, with a bumpy brown or olive-green skin that may display dark patches or streaks. Females usually have flatter bodies than males. They sport a large, distinctive triangular gland, known as the parotoid, behind each eye. Known for their stout body and short legs, they have a rounded snout and horizontal pupils, contributing to their unique appearance.
Behavior
Karoo toad is a nocturnal, solitary species that spends the daylight hours hidden under rocks or in burrows. It possesses notable defensive behaviors, including inflated body display and secretion of a sticky substance in response to threats. Its life cycle revolves around the onset of rains, signaling the start of breeding season and egg-laying in temporary water bodies.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Amphibians Order
Frogs and toads Family
True toad Genus
Southern toads Species
Karoo toad 
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