What kind of frog is the Iberian midwife toad?

True to their name, male Iberian midwife toads are dedicated fathers, carrying eggs on their backs for protection. They are nocturnal, spending the day hidden under rocks or in burrows, and becoming active at night. Their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and earthworms.

Why are Iberian midwife toads tolerant to dry conditions?

Iberian midwife toads have adapted to the arid environment of the Iberian Peninsula, making them more resistant to dry conditions than other Alytes species. Their skin prevents water loss effectively, And they can store water in their bladders, allowing them to survive for some time in dry environments.

How do Iberian midwife toads reproduce?

The breeding season for Iberian midwife toads is from autumn to winter. Males emit a soft, charming call, "kuk-kuk-kuk," to attract females. After mating, the female lays her eggs on the male's hind legs. The male carries the eggs on his back for about a month until they hatch, protecting them from harm. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the male goes to a water source and releases the eggs into the water. The tadpoles then live and grow in the water.

Are Iberian midwife toads endangered?

The Iberian midwife toad is facing a decline in population due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, and is listed as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Their habitat, the Iberian Peninsula, is undergoing development and increasing aridity, further jeopardizing their survival.

Animal Article

Iberian Midwife Toad

Meet the Iberian midwife toad, a dedicated father residing in the Iberian Peninsula. These frogs exhibit an unusual parenting behavior where the male carries the eggs on his back. Let's delve into the heartwarming world of these resilient creatures as they strive to perpetuate life in this arid land!