|A New Species -
It happens from time to time: a new species of plant or animal becomes famous in scientific
circles, and the public remains unaware until a popular book on the subject appears. Such was
the case with the Arroyo Toad.
Until very recently, herpetologists considered a nocturnal, nondescript toad inhabiting parts of
Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico to be a single species: the Southwestern
Toad (Bufo microscaphus). They knew the toad was threatened through habitat loss and
studied its ecology thoroughly. In the process, and with the help of genetic research, the
herpetologists discovered that the toads living in Southern California comprise an entirely
separate species and not a subspecies as previously believed. The new species, named for its
preferred habitat, is called the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus).
Click here to learn more about the Arroyo Toad.
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