Bufotes surdus

Bufotes surdus, also known as Iranian earless toad, Iranian toad, Pakistan toad, or Luristan toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is found in southern Iran and western Pakistan. There is also an isolated record from eastern Iraq.

Appearance and subspecies

Bufotes surdus is a medium-small toad with a snout–to–vent length of about in adults. Unlike most species of Bufotes but similar to its close relative B. luristanicus, it has no visible tympanum, hence the common name "earless toad". It is typically quite dull and plain-coloured, but it may have some inconspicuous greenish markings, especially to the limbs, and occasionally a larger amount of small greenish ring-shaped spots.
Two subspecies are recognized, but their separation is questionable and require further study.
Common name ring-spotted earless toad can be used to specifically refer to Bufotes surdus annulatus.

Habitat and conservation

Bufotes surdus inhabits oases and pools in irrigated areas and their surroundings at elevations of above sea level. Breeding takes place during the monsoons when males gather in temporal pools. The eggs are deposited around vegetation in ponds. During the dry season these animals seek damp areas under stones and within vegetation. It can be a locally common species, but its ecology is little known and it has sometimes been confused with juveniles of other Bufotes species. It is threatened by intensification of agriculture, including agricultural pollution. Extended periods of drought can cause local population declines. Some populations occur within protected areas.