What is smooth sided toads?

Smooth sided toads, also known as Incilius periglenes, are a critically endangered species of toad found only in the rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama. They have smooth skin on their backs and possess bright reddish-orange and black coloring, which functions as a warning to predators.

These toads breed in small, fast-moving streams, and males produce a distinctive high-pitched trilling call during the breeding season. Females lay eggs in long strings, with each string containing hundreds of eggs.

The population of smooth sided toads has declined significantly due to the destruction of their habitat, pollution, and disease spread by non-native amphibians. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and captive breeding programs, are critical to the survival of this species.