Amphibian

Xizang Alpine Toad

Scutiger boulengeri

Also known as Boulenger's Alpine Toad, Boulenger's Lazy Toad, Himalayan Cat-eyed Toad

Xizang alpine toads are high-altitude specialists adapted to the harsh montane environments of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. They spend much of their time sheltering under boulders along cold glacial streams and alpine meadows. During the short summer breeding season, males produce low-pitched calls from beneath partially submerged rocks to attract females.

High-altitudeAmphibianAlpine

Subba, B., Ravikanth, G., and Aravind, N. A. / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyBeetles, Fly larvae, Spiders

Predators

High-altitude snakes
Waterbirds
Small mammals

ThreatsClimate change, habitat degradation, stream pollution

HabitatsAlpine meadows, glacial mountain streams, rocky stream banks

Life span5–10 years

Classification

FamilyMegophryidae
SpeciesScutiger boulengeri

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for a stocky, dark brown or greyish toad hiding under rocks along mountain streams above 3,000 meters elevation.
Support conservation: Observe without handling, and refrain from moving rocks or altering stream flows in breeding pools.

Responsible observation

Stream Search: Look carefully under loose stones along cold alpine streams, taking care to return rocks gently.
Night Observation: Use a red light flashlight to search stream margins after sunset without disturbing nocturnal activity.
Minimize Disturbance: Avoid stepping into fragile glacial pools where eggs and overwintering tadpoles develop.

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