TOAD

Toad is a common name for certain amphibians, most notably the true toads of the family Bufonidae. True toads are typically characterized by dry, warty skin, a stout body, and relatively short legs. Adults are mostly terrestrial and move by short hops or walking; they typically shelter in leaf litter, burrows, or under objects and come out to forage mainly at night. They breed in water, returning to ponds or slow streams for reproduction.

Physically, toads vary in size from a few centimeters to well over a decimeter. Their skin bears glandular parotoid glands behind the eyes that secrete toxins as a defense against predators. This chemical protection can irritate the skin of humans and pets and is harmful if ingested.

Habitat and distribution are broad: true toads inhabit deserts, grasslands, forests, and human-modified environments. Breeding requires standing water or slow-moving water, and adults may migrate to suitable aquatic sites to spawn. They are found in many regions worldwide, though species and abundances vary by climate and habitat quality.

Reproduction and life cycle typically involve seasonal breeding and vocalizing by males to attract females. Eggs are laid in long gelatinous strings in water; fertilization is external. Eggs hatch into tadpoles, which undergo metamorphosis into juvenile toads over weeks to months, depending on temperature and resources.

Diet and ecology: adults primarily eat insects and other invertebrates; larger species may take small vertebrates. Toads contribute to pest control but can pose risks to pets due to toxins. Conservation status ranges from common to threatened, often reflecting habitat loss, pollution, disease, and climate change.