Amargosa Toad

Anaxyrus nelsoni is an olive-colored toad with a stripe down its back. It is speckled with black and copper-colored spots, and the entire body is covered in warts. Body size ranges from 2-4.4 inches.

A. nelsoni is native to Oasis Valley, in Ney County Nevada and usually resides in diminished desert wetlands and riverine backwaters. In 2002, the total range of A. nelsoni was limited to 12 miles.

Breeding season occurs in March and April. Eggs can be found in shallow water with little to no plant cover. The eggs hatch in late July and tadpoles metamorphose in early November.

Breeding habitat loss is the largest threat to Anaxyrus nelsoni. Unchecked cattail and rush growth, introduction of bullfrogs and crayfish, and river overuse/receiving very little water have contributed to the decline of this species. Conservation measures have been in effect since 1994, when it was discovered that only 32 adult toads remained near the Amargosa River. Since then, volunteers have been able to prevent this species from going extinct, by monitoring growth and maintaining habitat for the toad.