The dwarf slender toad (Ansonia minuta) belongs to the order of Anura and is in the Bufonidae family. This toad has a small and slender body with long hind legs. As its name suggests, this toad has an overall smaller morphological size compared to other amphibians. Males range between 20-24 mm, while females can measure up to 30 mm.
The surface of its body and legs is covered with small round warts. Additionally, the toad’s back is orange or yellow with brown patterning. The reproductive behaviour of this toad is similar to many Ansonia species, laying its eggs in water to allow the tadpoles to develop before undergoing metamorphosis into adult toads.
This dwarf toad is a terrestrial species commonly found in tropical Bornean rainforests, including humid lowland areas. These toads are endemic to Borneo, meaning they are only found on this one island. Even within Borneo, their distribution is very limited as they have only been recorded in a few areas of Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, and Sarawak.
Currently, the conservation status of this toad is categorized as Least Concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, all amphibians, including toads, face various threats in natural ecosystems, including habitat loss, pollution, and diseases such as the chytrid fungus, which poses a significant threat to wild toads. Many species are under conservation concern as researchers and conservationists strive to better understand and protect them.
Text by: Communication Team, BOS Headquarters, Bogor, West Java
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