About Sclerophrys mauritanica (Schlegel, 1841)
Scientific Name and Size
The Berber toad, scientifically named Sclerophrys mauritanica (Schlegel, 1841), is a large toad that reaches a body length of 13–15 cm.
Dorsal Coloration
Its upperparts are colored beige to olive, marked with large orange or red spots.
Ventral Coloration
Its underparts are white with small grey spots.
Color Variation
This toad shows different coloration across localities, with shades and patches of brown, reddish-brown, olive, and orange recorded, as well as individuals with a plain sandy color.
Native Distribution
The Berber toad is native to northwestern Africa, where it occurs from Morocco eastward through Algeria into Tunisia, and extends south to the northernmost part of Western Sahara; this southern occurrence has not yet been confirmed.
Introduced Population
An introduced population of the Berber toad also exists in Spain, near Los Alcornocales Natural Park in the area around Algeciras.
Habitat Types
Its natural habitats include subtropical or tropical dry cork oak forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, rivers, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, arable land, pastureland, plantations, and urban areas.
Elevation Range
In the Atlas Mountains, the Berber toad can be found at elevations up to 2,650 m above sea level.
