Common Name: Dixie Valley Toad
Scientific Name: Anaxyrus williamsi
Family: Bufonidae – True Toad family
Locations: United States – Nevada
Size: 1.7 – 2.7 inches (44-70 mm)
The Dixie Valley Toad is a relatively new species, only being described in 2017. Before, it was considered an isolated population of the Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas). Physical and genetic tests revealed that it was in fact, its own species. Dixie Valley Toad is physically different than the Western Toad. They have gold specks on its body and is smaller than the Western Toad.
Most life history of the Dixie Valley Toad is presumed to be similar to the Western Toad. They are a nocturnal species, living under rocks or burrowed in the dirt during the day. Reproduction is external. Mating happens from March to June. Interestingly, the male toads do not call to attract female toads. Once the female toad selects a male toad, the male toad will grasp the female toad from behind. Then, the female Dixie Valley Toad lays her eggs and the male toad will fertilize them. No parental care has been shown. The tadpoles take around 10 weeks to complete their metamorphosis.
While only just described, the toad is already on the Endangered Species List, being listed in April of 2022. Even the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has them assessed at Critically Endangered. The exact number of toads are unknown but their range is small. Their habitat is already threatened by a geothermal energy plant that has plans to go up right next to it.
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