arroyo southwestern toad

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photo by Anthony Mercieca©

(Bufo microscaphus californicus)

The arroyo southwestern toad breeds in open sandy and gravelly streams and live in a variety of upland habitats associated with loose sandy soils for burrowing. Its population declines were due to habitat loss, hydrologic alteration, and human activity in streambeds. It was listed as Federally Endangered in 1994 and is a State Species of Special Concern. In the Sweetwater drainage, arroyo toads occur at various locations upstream of Sweetwater Reservoir into the foothill and low mountain zone. The federal recovery plan for the toad describes the needs for a compatible stream flows and management plan for the Sweetwater River to sustain and recover this species. The control of exotic or introduced predators, such as bullfrogs and a variety of fish species, are also necessary management activities.