A small but remarkable amphibian found only in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta of northern Colombia. This rare toad lives high in the mountains, thriving in a world of mist, moss, and cold mountain air.

Physically, this toad stands out for its compact body, short limbs, and stubby toes, which give the “stubfoot” group its name. It typically has a dark black or charcoal coloration, but some individuals display vivid orange hues, making them appear like glowing embers against the wet, mossy rocks. The skin is covered in tiny spiny warts along the sides, a distinctive trait among stubfoot toads. Its toes are webbed for stability in slippery terrain, while its fingers remain free, allowing precise movements as it navigates the rocky streams and damp forests of its high-altitude home. These habitats—cloud forests and páramo grasslands—are found between 2,350 and 4,800 meters (7,700–15,700 feet) above sea level, where cool temperatures, mist, and rainfall create the perfect refuge for this mountain specialist.

The Guajira Stubfoot Toad leads a quiet, secretive life. It spends most of its time hidden among mosses, leaves, and stones near cold mountain streams. Breeding occurs in these frigid waters, where females lay long strings of eggs that cling to rocks and plants. The tadpoles are specially adapted to life in fast-moving water, using suction-like mouths to cling to surfaces as they grow. The species’ ability to survive at such extreme altitudes is extraordinary—few tropical amphibians can withstand the freezing nights and thin air that are typical of the Sierra Nevada’s upper slopes.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Colombia

EN

2016