Scutiger boulengeri | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Megophryidae |
Genus: | Scutiger |
Species: | S. boulengeri
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Binomial name | |
Scutiger boulengeri (Bedriaga, 1898)
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Synonyms | |
Leptobrachium boulengeri Bedriaga, 1898 |
Scutiger boulengeri (common names: Boulenger's lazy toad, Boulenger's high altitude toad, Himalayan stream frog, and Xizang alpine toad) is a species of toad in the family Megophryidae. It is found in Nepal, India (Sikkim) and western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, Qinghai, and Tibet).[2] A healthy population has been found at an elevation of 5,270 m (17,290 ft) in one of the lakes in the Gurudongmar Lake complex in Sikkimese Himalaya.[3] This is one of the highest elevations where amphibians have ever been recorded (Pleurodema marmoratum has been recorded higher at the Andes[4]).[5][6]
Scutiger boulengeri males measure about 45–55 mm (1.8–2.2 in) and females about 50–62 mm (2.0–2.4 in) in snout–vent length.[3][7] The head is flat, wider than long and with a rounded snout. The eyes are protruding. The tympanum is indistinct; the supratympanal fold is present. The dorsum is olive or greenish-grey with numerous warts. The ventrum is yellowish. The fingers have no webbing whereas the toes have rudimentary webbing.[6]
Scutiger boulengeri is an alpine species living near streams and lakes in grassland habitats[1] at elevations of 3,300–5,270 m (10,830–17,290 ft) above sea level.[2][3] They hibernate in loose soil from September to March or April.[3]
Scutiger boulengeri is a very common species but potentially threatened by diversion of water for agriculture, pollution from agrochemicals, and overgrazing. However, it is not considered threatened overall.[1]