Bufotes boulengeri (Lataste, 1879)

Nomenclature and Basic Range

The African green toad, scientifically known as Bufotes boulengeri, is a species of toad found in North Africa, ranging from Morocco to Egypt, and on the Italian islands of Sicily, Favignana, Lampedusa, and Ustica.

Taxonomic History of Sicilian Populations

In 2008, the populations living on these Italian islands were described as a separate species called the Sicilian green toad (B. siculus), but more recent authorities classify it as a subspecies of the African green toad, due to their very close relationship.

Historical Genus Placement

Historically, both this species and the Sicilian green toad were included within the European green toad (B. viridis), and all of these toads were previously placed in the genus Bufo.

Eastern Range Clarification

It was once suggested that the African green toad's range extends east into Sinai and the Levant, but a review has found that these eastern populations actually belong to the related species B. sitibundus.

Habitat Range

The African green toad occurs from coastal areas to highland plateaus, and can be found in forests, scrubland, grassland, semi-deserts, and deserts.

Breeding Habitat

It breeds in temporary ponds and similar aquatic habitats.

Morphological Similarity to Congeners

In both size and colouration, the African green toad resembles other members of the genus Bufotes, including the European green toad and the Balearic green toad (B. balearicus).

Range Overlap with Balearic Green Toad

The ranges of the African green toad and the Balearic green toad come close to one another in easternmost Sicily.

Morphological Distinction from Balearic Green Toad

Only the Balearic green toad has coloured spots on its paratoid glands and some reddish-orange markings.

Subspecies Morphological Similarity

The two subspecies of the African green toad are extremely similar in appearance.

Subspecies Morphological Difference

The North African subspecies B. b. boulengeri may differ from the Sicilian subspecies B. b. siculus by the presence of a dorsal stripe.

Formal Description History

The African green toad was first formally described as Bufo boulengeri in 1879 by French zoologist Fernand Lataste, who gave its type locality as Algeria.