Philippine Toad

     It is restricted to the Palawan Faunal Region, and if you’ve ever spent an evening in the Palawan countryside, or even in a lush urban backyard, you’ve likely seen the Philippine Toad (Ingerophrynus philippinicus). It is one of the most common amphibians in Palawan, and it's highly adaptable to habitat modification.

    The Philippine toad is an incredible survivor. It can live almost anywhere from beaches, lowland rainforests, mountain slopes, and swamps to farms, backyard gardens, and even city street sewers. If there's enough moisture or water and food to eat, this toad will likely call it home.

    When herping in Palawan, it is often overlooked in favor of flashier endemic species. It is just too common and dull to pique the interest of people travelling to photograph herps. However, the Philippine toad is far from being just a backyard visitor. It plays a key role in keeping local environments balanced and thriving.

    This toad is an efficient, opportunistic hunter. And because they can thrive in both wild forests, farms, and human gardens, they act as a biological shield against pests, and they serve as a vital link in the food chain. This toad consumes massive quantities of mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other agricultural pests, and this toad is a food source for endemic animals such as the Palawan Spitting Cobra, Palawan Water Monitor, and various other species found in Palawan.