Overview
The Red Toad (Schismaderma carens), also known as the African split-skin toad, is a distinctive, large anuran native to the open savannas and bushveld woodlands of central and southern Africa. The only species in the genus Schismaderma, it is celebrated for its warm terracotta-red coloration and unique aquatic reproductive strategy.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Unlike typically warty bufonids, adult red toads possess relatively smooth, glandular skin displaying an earthy reddish-brown, cinnamon, or rich copper dorsal coloration. Along each shoulder runs a prominent, raised, elongated reddish-orange glandular ridge (parotoid gland). Their underside is pale cream, and their eyes feature horizontal pupils encased within a rich golden iris.
Behavior and Ecology
Red toads are nocturnal, terrestrial foragers that spend dry periods aestivating deep in mammal burrows, hollow logs, or termite mounds. During the summer wet season, males gather at deep ponds and cattle dams to emit deep, resonant, vibrating ‘whoop-whoop’ calls. Uniquely among African toads, females construct large, floating communal foam nests attached to emergent reeds, which protect thousands of developing eggs from desiccation and predatory fish.
Conservation and Human Impact
Evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN, Schismaderma carens is an adaptable and widespread species that thrives in agricultural mosaics, farm dams, and rural garden borders throughout southern Africa, facing no major systemic conservation threats.
Interesting Factoid
The Red Toad is the only true toad in Africa that builds a floating foam nest on the water surface—creating a frothy communal raft to shield its eggs from aquatic predators!
Last updated: October 2026