Duttaphrynus parietalis, commonly known as the ridged toad or the South Indian hill toad, is a species of toad belonging to the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, specifically found in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Taxonomy and Etymology
The species was originally described by George Albert Boulenger in 1882 under the name Bufo parietalis. It was later reassigned to the genus Duttaphrynus. The specific epithet parietalis refers to the prominent parietal ridges located on the animal's skull.
Physical Characteristics
Duttaphrynus parietalis is a medium-sized toad. It is characterized by distinct, elevated cranial ridges, including well-developed supraorbital and parietal ridges. The snout is short and rounded. The dorsal skin is covered in numerous prominent, glandular warts of varying sizes, while the ventral surface is typically granular. Its coloration is generally brown or olive-brown, often with darker markings or marbling.
Habitat and Ecology
The species is primarily associated with tropical moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 meters above sea level. Duttaphrynus parietalis is often observed near forest streams, which serve as its breeding sites. Like other members of its genus, it is largely terrestrial and nocturnal, preying on various invertebrates.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Duttaphrynus parietalis is classified as Near Threatened. Its populations are subject to pressure from habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development within the Western Ghats region. Consistent monitoring is required to assess the impact of environmental changes on its specialized forest habitat.
