Common Name: Myer’s Surinam Toad
Scientific Name: Pipa myersi
Family: Pipidae – Tongue-less Frog family
Locations: Panama (possibly Colombia)
Size: 1.4 – 1.6 inches (36 – 42 mm)
The aquatic Myer’s Surinam Toad lives in the drainage areas of the Rio Chucunaque. They hardly ever leave the water. Their body has adapted to life in the water. They don’t have a tongue anymore but they gained a lateral line system which is great for sensing movement in the water.
The frogs of the genus Pipa have really weird parental care. The fertilized eggs of the toad is deposited on the females back. Eventually, the eggs hatch and tadpoles come out of the toad’s skin.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes the Myer’s Surinam Toad as Endangered. The toads have a very small range. Also, the forests surrounding the swamp are threatened by logging and agricultural development.
