Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet (Capensibufo magistratus)

There is currently no photograph available for this species.

Find the Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.

Family Bufonidae

Identification

The Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet is a small Bufonid that attains a maximum size of 26mm. It has a distinct toad-like appearance, but unlike true toads, it has smooth skin with blister-like ridges and warts, and the body is somewhat elongated.

The dorsal surface is variably marked in grey and light brown with numerous blackish flecks. The vertebral band is broad, and the warts are dark brown with incomplete black edges. The parotid glands are red-brown and conspicuous. The tympanum is absent, and the underside is granular.

Habitat

The Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet inhabits pristine mountain fynbos in the Hawequas, Riviersonderend and Hottentots Holland Mountains.

Behaviour

Very little is known about the life history of C. magistratus. The behaviour is probably similar to that of other Capensibufo species.

Status and Conservation

Unknown and data deficient. Capensibufo magistratus is likely to be threatened due to its restricted distribution.

Distribution

The Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet is endemic to South Africa and is confined to a few mountain ranges in the Western Cape.

No maps are available for this species.

Further Resources

Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo magistratus Channing et al., 2017

Other Common Names: Landdroskop-bergskurwepadda (Afrikaans)

Recommended citation format: Tippett, RM. (2025). Landdroskop Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo magistratus . Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2022/04/04/landdroskop-mountain-toadlet-capensibufo-magistratus/

References: 

Minter, LR; Burger, M; Harrison, JA; Braack, HH; Bishop, PJ; Kloepfer, D. (Editors). (2004). Atlas and Red Data Book of  the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and Avian Demography
Unit, Cape Town.

Carruthers, V; du Preez, L. (2017). Frogs of southern Africa: A Complete Guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.

Channing, A. (2001) Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Protea Book House, Pretoria

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Ryan Tippett
Ryan Tippett
Ryan is an enthusiastic contributor to Citizen Science and has added many important and interesting records of fauna and flora. He has been a member of the Virtual Museum since 2014 and has currently submitted over 12,000 records. He is on the expert identification panel for the OdonataMAP project. Ryan is a well-qualified and experienced Field Guide, and Guide Training Instructor. He has spent the last 18 years in the guiding and tourism industries. Ryan loves imparting his passion and knowledge onto others, and it is this that drew him into guide training in particular. Something that he finds incredibly rewarding is seeing how people he's had the privilege of teaching have developed and gone on to greater things. His interests are diverse and include Dragonflies, Birding, Arachnids, Amphibians, wild flowers and succulents, free diving and experiencing big game on foot. With this range of interests, there is always likely be something special just around the corner!