Alberta Herps
Canadian Toad (Bufo hemiophrys hemiophrys)

• eastern half of the province except in prairies; significant reduction in parkland distribution.

Brief Description

• smallest Bufo species in Alberta; skin covered with small irregular worts; cranial crests parallel.

Habitat

• often in open areas near waterbodies; overwintering in dry loose soil.

Feeding

• tadpoles algae-eater; adults largely insectivorous.

Reproduction

• spawning from late April to June in variety of waterbodies such as temporary ponds, large lakes, slow areas of streams; up to about 20,000 eggs in two strings shed over vegetation or other substrate; pectoral amplexus.

Status in Alberta

• RED LIST

• used to be a common boreal and aspen parkland species; major decline in parkland distribution in recnt years

Other Internet Resources

• Bufo hemiophrys : Museum of Zoology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

• western toad: Amphibians of Alberta Page, Alberta Environmental Protection

• Bufo hemiophrys : 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.