Gutteral toad

Introduction: Gutteral toads (Amietophrynus gutteralis) are so called because of their deep, throaty calls (gutteralis is Latin for 'throat'). They are often observed around dams, pools, vleis and gardens and other permanent water bodies associated with grasslands, savannah and thickets.

Distribution: Northern Namibia including Kavango region, Rundu, Bwabwata National Park ranging eastwards to Victoria Falls. Absent from far northern Namib Desert.

Diet: Spiders and insects.

Colouration: Dark patches on the snout and behind each eye. The upperparts are a light to dark brown with pairs of dark patches ranging down the back. There are some smaller yellow patches between the darker ones. The underside is a dirty white.

Breeding: Tadpoles are up to 25mm in length and can free-swim after 2 to 3 days. Their metamorphosis is complete after a period of up to 6 weeks.

Maximum size: 120mm.