Common Name: Chile Mountains False Toad
Scientific Name: Telmatobufo venustus
Family: Calyptocephalellidae
Locations: Chile
Size: 2.8 inches (71 mm)
The Chile Mountains False Toad gets its name from its large, oval paratoid glands that make it look like a true toad from the family Bufonidae. However, they belong to the family Calyptocephalellidae, a small family of frogs native only to Chile. It was even originally thought to be a true toad. They live along the western slopes of the Chilean Andes, living up to a mile (1,700 metres) above sea level. The frogs live along rocks surrounding well oxygenated streams in temperate forests. Unfortunately, there are only seven known locations of the frogs.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Chile Mountains False Toad as Endangered. Much of its habitat has been converted into pine and eucalyptus plantations. Electric dams have been built in parts that haven’t been converted. Also trouts have been introduced into water bodies that the frogs live in. These trouts eat the frogs and their tadpoles. The only stable populations of the frog are found in the Altos de Lircay National Reserve. Better protection of the frog and their habitat is needed to save them.
