Asian Toad

Singapore has about 24 native species of frogs and toads. The common species are of course very adapted to human landscape. They are more often heard than seen, especially after a period of heaving rainfall when males broadcast their desire for females. Occasionally though, a few individuals will stumble into our urban dwellings.

Few months back, an Asian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) made an appearance in my office. More precisely, it paid homage to a small corner. It was certainly a strange one. Throughout the whole time, it just sat there facing the wall with a contemplating look. It seemed overwhelmed by the wall and can’t decide what to do next. And it just stayed there the whole day and was so engrossed it totally ignored the mosquito sucking blood from its lower back.
There must be a scientific reason why it chose to sit at the corner throughout the day. But animals do strange things. Not all behaviour has to be explained and it is this erraticism that makes wildlife so fascinating.

Pictures taken at: National Biodiversity Centre, May 2008

References:

Baker, N. & K. K. P. Lim, 2008. Wild Animals of Singapore. A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes, Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd, Singapore.