Yellow-Bellied Toad

The Yellow-bellied Toad, scientifically known as Bombina variegata, is a fascinating amphibian species that captivates both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. This toad is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow to orange underside, which is often marked with irregular black or dark brown spots. Unlike the more common green or brown frogs that people often see, the Yellow-bellied Toad has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in its natural habitat. This amphibian is a member of the Bombinatoridae family and is native to various parts of Europe, where it inhabits a range of environments from lowland forests to mountainous regions.

The Yellow-bellied Toad is adaptable to different types of environments, but it primarily thrives in wet and marshy areas. It is often found in small ponds, ditches, and slow-moving streams where the water is clean and relatively shallow. This preference for clean water is crucial as it directly impacts their breeding and survival rates. Geographically, the Yellow-bellied Toad is distributed across Central and Southeastern Europe. Countries like Germany, Austria, Romania, and parts of the Balkans are known to host significant populations of these toads. In these regions, they can be found at elevations ranging from sea level up to mountainous areas about 2000 meters high.