Amphibians ‹‹ Go Back

This is the commonest species of amphibian found in the country up to an altitude of about 1800 meters from sea level. They are very common close to human habitations in the lowlands. Other than in Sri Lanka they are also widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

I have seen this species through out the island both in the dry and wet zone. During the flights of winged termites these toads become quite bold and could be found in large numbers feeding on them. They are often found spending the day inside houses and returning to the same location night after night. They have the ability to find their way back to such locations even if they are caught and released about a kilometer away.

Once I observed an adult of this species being predated by a Jerdon’s Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus crassus in my home garden in Colombo.

At Wilpattu these frogs are common in most fresh water bodies in the park and can be easily seen during the rains on the main road at Hunuwilagama.