Sclerophrys pantherina (Smith, 1828)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The western leopard toad, scientifically named Sclerophrys pantherina, is a toad species belonging to the family Bufonidae.

Distribution

This species is endemic to low-lying areas of the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Flats, and the Agulhas flats in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Population Structure

Two large macro-populations of this toad exist, which are broadly categorized as the Cape Town cluster and the Overberg cluster.

Natural Foraging Habitat

The toad's natural foraging habitat is Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, which falls within several specific vegetation types: Cape Flats Sand Plain Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld.

Habitat Tolerance

This species is not restricted to living only in undisturbed, pristine habitat.

Suburban Occurrence

Much of its historical feeding ground is now located within residential suburbs, so western leopard toads are often found living in suburban gardens.

Breeding Habitat Types

Its breeding habitats include swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, urban riverine watercourses, natural ponds, and garden ponds.