Common Name: Venezuelan Pebble Toad
Scientific Name: Oreophrynella nigra
Family: Bufonidae – True Toad family
Locations: Venezuela
Size: Males: 0.65 – 0.93 inches (16.5 – 23.5 mm), Females: 0.80 – 1.18 inches (20.4 – 30 mm)
The Venezuelan Pebble Toad is found in open areas of bare limestone, blending in with their bland coloring. They are a diurnal species of toad, often found walking slowly around the rocks, instead of hopping.
The Venezuelan Pebble Toad has an interesting defense mechanism. When an predator approaches, the toad rolls up into a ball, and rolls away, acting like a pebble.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Venezuelan Pebble Toad as Vulnerable as Extinction. They only occur at the summits of Kukenán-tepui and Yuruaní-tepui of the Eastern Tepuis. It is believed that climate change will effect these areas and thus effect the toads.
