Malaysia Toad Frogs

Yellow-Spotted Toad
Pedostibes hosii

Asian Toad
Bufo melanostictus

River Toad
Bufo asper

Amphibians ~ Mossy Frogs

Toads are differentiated from frogs by the presence of parotoid glands, which take the shape of lumps at the back of their heads. Their skin also tends to take a leathery or warty appearance and coupled with a larger size, classify them loosely as a seperate group from frogs. Nevertheless, the distinctions are sometimes unclear as some species from conventional frog families are called 'toads' as well, but any amphibian that matches its typical description is likely to be called a 'toad' regardless of its taxonomy.

Toads tend to be terrestial and some species are know to burrow. Slow-moving when compared with other types of frogs, toads are also able to secrete a toxin through their parotoid glands when under stress. There is only one arboreal toad species found in Peninsular Malaysia, which is Pedostibes hosii. Also known as the yellow-spotted tree toad, the females range from being leafy green to greyish purple with attractively marked yellow spots. Males are smaller and very drab-coloured. Although beautiful, yellow-spotted tree toads are quite sensitive in temperament.

The Asian toad, or Bufo melanostictus, is common and very widespread across Southeast Asia and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. In the lowland rainforest, they are found on the ground or rocks near streams and pools of water. In agricultural areas near moderately disturbed rainforest, they can be found in drains and ditches. They are usually grey in colour with a pinkish hue along the cheek and flanks. Asian frogs also have a loud call and can easily be traced to their location by this method. Strong warts are another prominent feature of this large and robust toad.

The River Toad, or Bufo asper, is Peninsular Malaysia's biggest toad species, capable of growing up to the size of a large man's shoe. The head is especially broad while the body is lined with numerous warts and ridges, giving it a blocky apperance. They base colour is usually a dark yellowish green. Despite their size, they are quite a docile species and prefer to blend in the background with their excellent camoflouge rather than hop away in the presence of danger. They are found in deep rainforest on rocks or banks of streams and rivers.