An Encounter with Dhofar Toads at the Wadi Shawkha, RAK

 

The Dhofar Toad, Bufo dhufarensis

This toad is curious to check out the intruder in their hidden pool 

Keeping it cool! The Dhofar Toad immersing itself on the remaining water

The toad emerged out of the water pool as it got disturbed by my presence

Enjoying the last patches of moisture and mud on a dry Wadi Shawkha 

The toads were in observed in this small pool of water concealed by large boulders 

It was in a recent expedition at the Wadi Shawkha in RAK that I got to encounter an amazing quartet of amphibians safe and secure on the few patches of mud and moisture on the expanse of the Wadi. The toads had a small pool concealed underneath emerging boulders. Searching for mosquito larvae, I found this small pool and mud patch populated not by wrigglers but by four toads. This is my first encounter with toads here in the UAE, my first to observe in their natural Wadi environment.   

THE DHOFAR TOAD, Bufo dhofarensis (BUFONIDAE)

The Dhofar Toad has bulging eyes, green to dark brown in color, often mottled with speckled darker markings. It has a tympanum (distinct circular pattern) behind the lower portion of its eyes that can easily be seen.  

 

The Dhofar Toad or Oman Toad is one of the only two toads species reported to be present in the UAE.  Along with the Arabian Toad (Sclerophrys arabica), both are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula and can be observed in Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.    

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com