Toads

Toads are differentiated from frogs by the presence of parotoid glands, which take the shape of lumps at the back of their heads. Their skin also tends to take a leathery or warty appearance and coupled with a larger size, classify them loosely as a seperate group from frogs. Nevertheless, the distinctions are sometimes unclear as some species from conventional frog families are called 'toads' as well, but any amphibian that matches its typical description is likely to be called a 'toad' regardless of its taxonomy.

Toads occur all over Southeast Asia, ranging from Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore to Indonesia. Some species tend to be terrestial while others are known to burrow. Toads are also able to secrete a toxin through their parotoid glands when under stress. Is is not true that all toads are large in size, as some Malaysian species are no bigger than a thumb. Also, the large toads tend to be less active in movement while smaller species with long hind legs can be agile jumpers.