are spadefoot toads endangered
MILTON -- The eastern spadefoot toad was placed on the endangered list in 2005 when it was found there are only two locations in the state where they live. Pennsylvania is near the northern limit of their range, but they are common in the southeastern United States. There are seven species in this family. Spadefoot toads get their name from the hard, sharp, bony spade on their hind feet that they use to dig burrows. Spadefoots have round, stocky bodies; short, rounded snouts; large, bulging eyes; and smooth skin. In North America, the eastern spadefoot toad is the only spadefoot found east of the Mississippi River. It is found from southern New England south to Florida and west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. There is a separate family of spadefoot toads found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, Pelobatidae, that shares many of the same characteristics of American spadefoot toads. In North America, the eastern spadefoot toad is the only spadefoot found east of the Mississippi River. The Moroccan spadefoot toad is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because its area of occupancy is probably less than 500 km sq., its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in Morocco. Pennsylvania is near the northern limit of their range, but they are common in the southeastern United States. There also are populations in Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. Not many folks have ever seen an eastern spadefoot toad, because they spend much of their lives underground. Status. The Moroccan spadefoot toad is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because its area of occupancy is probably less than 500 km sq., its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in Morocco. Spadefoots also have vertical pupils in their eyes. Other toad and frog species have horizontal pupils. There is a separate family of spadefoot toads found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, Pelobatidae, that shares many of the same characteristics of American spadefoot toads. Description: The Eastern Spadefoot Toad is a large toad, ranging from 1.6 - 3.1 in (4 - 8 cm) long. Their skin is smoother and moister than other toads and is speckled with tiny warts. This species varies in coloration tan or yellowish to dark brown, without bold spots (as in other Southeastern Toads). Some states do not have a threatened or endangered species list or do not include any frogs. Most of the states listed give some protection to the species on their lists. Some species on the state lists are not rare over their entire range, but may be at the edge where a particular state is located.
Yes