There is currently no photograph available for this species.
Find the Moonlight Mountain Toadlet in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Bufonidae
Identification
The Moonlight Mountain Toadlet is a small Bufonid that attains a maximum size of 23.5mm. It has a toad-like appearance, but unlike true toads, it has soft, smooth skin with blister-like ridges and warts, and the body is somewhat elongated.
The upper parts are greyish-brown with an orange vertebral stripe surrounded by pale brown. A number of dorsal spots are also present, each with incomplete black rings with a thin white margin. The parotid glands are reddish-brown and elongated. There is a pale whitish area that extends from around the eye to the lip and down to the upper arm. The tympanum is not visible. The underside is dark with scattered white spots.
Habitat
The Moonlight Mountain Toadlet inhabits pristine mountain fynbos. It is known only from Akkedis Mountain, the Kleinrivier Mountains, and Kogelberg, Western Cape.
Behaviour
Not much is known of the life history of C. selenophos. The behaviour is likely to be similar to that of other Capensibufo species.
Status and Conservation
Unknown and data deficient. Capensibufo selenophos is likely to be threatened due to its restricted distribution.
Distribution
The Moonlight 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
Moonlight Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo selenophos Channing et al., 2017
Other Common Names: Maanskynbergskurwepadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Tippett, RM. (2025). Moonlight Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo selenophos. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2022/04/04/moonlight-mountain-toadlet-capensibufo-selenophos/
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
