The Eurasian Green Toad, scientifically known as Bufotes viridis, is a species of toad found in various regions across Eurasia, primarily in Europe and Western Asia. It is a medium-sized amphibian, typically growing to an average length of 6 to 9 centimeters.
The Eurasian Green Toad is characterized by its distinctive coloring, displaying shades of green, gray, or brown on its warty skin, often with a mixture of lighter spots or patches. It possesses a robust body with a prominent head and horizontal pupils. Behind each eye, there is a glandular prominence, commonly referred to as parotoid glands, which secrete a toxic substance to deter potential predators.
This toad species inhabits diverse habitats, including open grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas, although it demonstrates a preference for habitats near water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, or slow-moving streams, where it reproduces. The Eurasian Green Toad is primarily nocturnal, remaining hidden during the day and becoming active after sunset to forage on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
During the breeding season, which occurs from spring to early summer, males produce a unique, resonant, bird-like trill which serves as a mating call to attract females. After successful reproduction, females lay gelatinous strings of eggs in water, which hatch into tadpoles that undergo a metamorphosis process to become adult toads.
Despite facing numerous threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, the Eurasian Green Toad demonstrates adaptability and resilience, with stable populations in many areas throughout its geographic distribution. It plays a vital ecological role as both predator and prey, contributing to the equilibrium of various ecosystems it inhabits.
