There are currently no photographs available for this species.
Find the Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Bufonidae
Identification
The Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet is a small Bufonid that attains a maximum size of 38mm. It has a 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 dark reddish-brown with a thin white vertebral stripe surrounded by a broad pale-brown band. The parotid glands are dark orange and conspicuous. There is a pale whitish area that extends from around the eye to the lip and down to the upper arm. The tympanum is visible and is smaller than the eye. The underside is pale and plain to lightly speckled.
Habitat
The Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet inhabits pristine mountain fynbos along the Du Toitskloof Mountains.
Behaviour
Very little is known about the life history of the Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet. It’s behaviour is probably similar to that of other Capensibufo species.
Status and Conservation
Unknown and data deficient. Capensibufo deceptus is likely to be threatened due to its restricted distribution.
Distribution
The Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet is endemic to South Africa and is confined to the Du Toitskloof Mountains, Western Cape. It may also occur in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
No maps are currently available for this species.
Further Resources
Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo deceptus Channing et al., 2017
Other Common Names: Du Toit se bergskurwepadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Tippett, RM. (2025). Deception Peak Mountain Toadlet Capensibufo deceptus. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2022/04/04/deception-peak-mountain-toadlet-capensibufo-deceptus/
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
