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Description
Moroccan Green Toad
Scientific Name: Barbarophryne brongersmai
Common Name: Moroccan Green Toad
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 2.5 to 4 inches (6.5 to 10 cm), with females generally larger and broader than males.
Appearance: The Moroccan Green Toad is a striking species with a pale cream, tan, or grey base colour overlaid with bold green blotches. These blotches may be rounded, irregular, or fragmented depending on locality. The skin texture is granular with small, raised warts scattered across the dorsum. Parotoid glands are moderately large and oval. The eyes are golden to copper with horizontal pupils. The underside is pale and usually lightly speckled. Compared to the European Green Toad, this species tends to show more vivid green markings and a slightly more compact build.
Distribution: Native to North Africa, primarily Morocco, extending into parts of Algeria, northern Western Sahara, and surrounding arid to semi-arid regions.
Habitat: Wild populations inhabit dry scrublands, rocky plains, deserts with seasonal water access, agricultural zones, and coastal steppe habitats. They breed in temporary or permanent water sources such as ponds, irrigation ditches, and rain-filled basins. In captivity, they thrive in terrestrial setups with moderate humidity, deep substrate, and strong ventilation.
Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal, Moroccan Green Toads hide during the day beneath rocks, vegetation, or in shallow burrows. They emerge at night to forage and are sturdy, deliberate movers. They tolerate arid conditions well and rely heavily on camouflage and stillness when threatened. They are solitary outside of breeding seasons.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult can be housed in a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure. Provide a mix of soil and sand substrate that holds burrows yet remains slightly moist beneath the surface. Add cork flats, rocks, sturdy branches, and plant cover for shaded retreats. A shallow water dish large enough for soaking should always be available. When keeping multiple individuals, upgrading to 36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm) is recommended.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient temperature: 72 to 80°F (22 to 27°C)
Warm area: 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C)
Night temperature: 60 to 68°F (16 to 20°C)
Humidity: 40 to 60%, with light misting and natural drying cycles. Avoid oversaturation, as this species originates from dry regions.
Lighting: Provide low-level UVB (2 to 5%) with diffused lighting. Maintain a natural day and night cycle. Bright light is unnecessary and may cause stress without adequate shade.
Diet: Offer a varied insect diet including crickets, roaches, worms, black soldier fly larvae, and occasional soft-bodied invertebrates. Supplement prey with calcium and vitamins. Juveniles require frequent feeding; adults should be fed on a moderated schedule to avoid obesity.
Behaviour in Captivity: Hardy and adaptable, Moroccan Green Toads settle well with consistent care. They may remain hidden during the day and become active, bold feeders at night. Handling should be limited due to their sensitive skin and mild toxins.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for the Moroccan Green Toad. Natural variation in blotch shape, green intensity, and overall dorsal tone occurs across its range but reflects locality differences rather than defined genetic morphs.