FAMILY BUFONIDAE

• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

• Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

• Amphibians (Class Amphibia)

• Frogs and Toads (Order Anura)

• True Toads (Family Bufonidae)

​

Family Bufonidae, commonly known as the true toads, is one of the largest and most widely distributed families of amphibians in the order Anura. Members of this family are found on every continent except Antarctica and occupy a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands. Bufonids are typically characterized by their stout bodies, short legs, dry and warty skin, and prominent parotoid glands located behind the eyes, which secrete toxic substances that help deter predators. Unlike many frogs, true toads are generally more terrestrial and are well adapted to life away from permanent water sources, although most species return to water for breeding.

​

​The Marbled Toad and Cane Toad are the only two toad species commonly seen in the Zihuatanejo area.