Amphibian

Oriental Fire-bellied Toad

Bombina orientalis

Also known as Oriental Fire-bellied Frog, Asian Fire-bellied Toad

Oriental fire-bellied toads display bright emerald green and black bumpy backs that blend seamlessly into mossy pond banks. When threatened, they arch their spines and lift their limbs to display a striking bright red or orange belly, a warning display known as the unkenreflex. During the breeding season, males produce soft, dog-like barking calls while floating in shallow, calm waters.

AmphibianSemiaquaticToxic Skin

1 / 6

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyFlies, Beetles, Earthworms

Predators

Snakes
Herons
Small mammals

ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution, chytrid fungus

HabitatsSlow-moving streams, ponds, flooded fields, temperate forests

Life span10–20 years

Classification

FamilyBombinatoridae
SpeciesBombina orientalis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskHigh

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is high: Skin secretions contain mild toxins that irritate eyes and mucous membranes; wash hands after contact.
Why it is dangerous: Secretes bombesin and other peptide toxins from cutaneous glands that cause intense burning if rubbed into eyes or swallowed.
How to recognize a risky encounter: Recognized by a bumpy green-and-black back paired with a vivid orange-red marbled belly.
What to do: Observe without picking up, or wear wet gloves if handling is required, washing hands immediately after.

Responsible observation

Spotting: Scan quiet, weed-choked pond edges and shallow puddles on warm spring days.
Listening: Listen for repetitive, soft barking calls coming from floating males during spring.
Handling: Avoid handling with bare skin to prevent transferring irritating toxins to your eyes.

Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…