Scutiger sikimmensis
Template:Short description Template:Italic title Template:Speciesbox Scutiger sikimmensis is a species of toad in the family Megophryidae. It is found in northeastern India (West Bengal, Sikkim, and Meghalaya), Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.[1][2] Many common names have been coined for this species: Sikkim lazy toad, Sikimmese pelobatid toad, Sikkim high altitude toad, Sikkim spade foot frog, Blyth's short-limbed frog,[1] and Sikkim snow toad.[2] It is very common in the high altitudes of Sikkimese Himalaya.[2]
Description
Males measure Script error: No such module "convert". and females Script error: No such module "convert". in snout–vent length. The dorsum is olive green, brown, or greyish-brown with numerous warts and variable patterning. The underparts are yellowish, uniform and smooth. The head is wider than long; the tympanum is hidden. The parotoid gland are present. The fingers have no webbing whereas the toes have rudimentary webbing.[2] Tadpoles are up to Script error: No such module "convert". in length.[3]
Habitat and conservation
Scutiger sikimmensis is an alpine toad living near streams, oxbow lakes, seepages, and stream-fed marshes as well as the surrounding forest and grassland habitats.[4][2][3] Breeding takes place in streams in May–June[3] or June–August;[2] males call from under the rocks at night.[4][2] The altitudinal range differs between sources; the lower limit is about Script error: No such module "convert". and the upper limit Script error: No such module "convert". above sea level.[4][2]
The species is common in the Indian part of its range but rare in Tibet. Major threats are diversion of water from breeding streams for irrigation and water pollution from agrochemicals. However, it is not considered threatened overall.[4]
References
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