MORONO SAPO IN AFRICA
Introduction
The Moruno toad is a species belonging to the Buffonidae taxonomic family. They are great, robust, with one aspect that can intimidate anyone. These amphibians are located in North Africa, although there are data that exists as a species introduced in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, in Spanish territory, but not enough to estimate the density of its population.
He is also known by his scientific name: Amietophrynus Mauritanicus.
Developing
Like almost all jester, the mashed toad has a robust and intimidating appearance. Its base color is very clear ocher. It has a lot of very well defined, bordered dark spots, each, by a black line.
Its parotid glands are large, very notorious, being references as a field brand in this genre. It has horizontal pupils, the iris presents a golden coloration.
There is sexual dimorphism between these specimens, marked, mainly by size. Males usually measure approximately 130mm total long (LT), while females can reach 160mm.
During the mating era, another difference between female and male of these amphibians can be seen. It is a period in which a great vocal sack is observed in the male at the base of his jaw. This allows you to modulate with greater force. During this same date, males develop calluses in the fingers of their front limbs, this other distinguishable field brand being to identify sexual dimorphism.
Geographic region and habitat
The Moruno toad is restricted only to North Africa. However, there are data from a population introduced to the south of the Spanish territory in the population of Cádiz. Similarly, there are registrations of sightings in some isolated areas towards the Mediterranean Sea. However, the data is insufficient because such meetings with this genre, in that territory, have been fortuitous.
It has as habitat dry regions, of little vegetation, with relative preference by arid regions with the presence of dunes and pedregals. Tolerates areas with anthropic intervention because it can occasionally be in populated centers. It can also be achieved in alcornocales and cultivation fields. Obviously, their preferably habitats are selected by the availability of food and shelter.
During the activity in aquatic spaces, it can well be diving in both brackish and sweet water.
Feeding
In general terms, the members of the jester group are omnivorous, with a very wide range diet of species that can ingest. However, they prefer to hunt and ingest insects. Your diet can include small arthropods, mostly beetles, lepidoptera, arachnids. It can also feed on small crustaceans, small amphibians, and almost anything else that they can consider their food.
During the day they remain hidden in places that protect them from sunlight and predators. His activity begins at the afternoon, being the night schedule the ideal to feed. Therefore, he will choose to walk through flooded areas, where small prey are easy to hunt.
Reproduction
Its reproduction season varies according to the geographical location of its population. In the lowlands of North Africa, within Moroccan territory, these amphibians reproduce between the months of January and April. While in high areas such as high mountains and elevations, these specimens begin their reproductive period in June.
conclusion
Like other genres of the Bufonidae group, they are night habits and their mating courtship is done during those hours. Within the Spanish territory, in Cádiz, no data on the mating season is known because details of its population are unknown. Similarly, its metamorphosis period is still studying.
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