Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)

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Species at Risk (NWT) Act list: No status
Federal Species at Risk Act list: Special Concern
COSEWIC Assessment: Special Concern 
NWT General Status Rank: May be at Risk

The Western Toad is found in the Dehcho region. It is ranked as May be at Risk in the NWT general status ranks and listed as Special Concern under the federal Species at Risk Act. Populations in the NWT are at the extreme northern limits of the species range in North America. Western Toads are nocturnal and are difficult to locate outside of the spring breeding season when they congregate at ponds and begin calling (a quiet peeping like little chicks).

Identification

One of the larger toads, the Western Toad ranges from 5-12cm in length. It is usually green or brown with a light stripe going down the middle of its back. The western toad is very similar in appearance and lifestyle to the Canadian toad. The major difference between the Western Toad and some of the other true toads is that this toad has no cranial crest between the eyes and tends to walk rather than hop. Its warts are reddish brown, surrounded by black.

Distribution of the Western Toad