Alberta Herps
Great Plains Toad (Bufo cognatus)

• extreme southeastern corner of the province; significant reduction iof breeding habitat in the prairies due to drought, drainage, and cultivation of wetlands.

Brief Description

• moderately large Bufo species in Alberta; skin covered with small worts; cranial crests diverge posteriorly.

Habitat

• prairie and arid or semi-arid areas; overwintering underground; nocturnal in habit.

Feeding

• tadpoles algae-eater; adults insectivorous.

Reproduction

• spawning after rains in spring or summer in temporary ponds; up to about 20,000 eggs in two strings; pectoral amplexus; rapid tadpole development.

Status in Alberta

• RED LIST

• a rare amphibian species in the prairies; exact population size not known, but apparently declining due to loss of critical breeding habitats

Other Internet Resources

• Great Plains toad: Amphibians of Alberta Page, Alberta Environmental Protection

• Bufo cognatus : Herps of Texas, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; web page maintained by Lori Bockstanz

• North Dakota toads without spotted bellies; the site also has an audio file for calls

• Bufo cognatus : Reptiles and Amphibians of North Dakota, Northern Prairie Science Center, Jamestown, ND, USA

References

• Anonymous. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Wildlife Management Division Report. Alberta Environmental Protection, Govertment of Alberta.

• Russell, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. in press. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. University of Calgary Press. 2nd Edition.