Blomberg's toad (Rhaebo blombergi), also known as the Colombian giant toad, is a very large species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is found in rainforests at altitudes between 200 and 650 m in western Colombia (Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, and Nariño Departments) and northwestern Ecuador (Carchi, Esmeraldas, and Imbabura Provinces). It has been recorded in Florida in 1963, apparently because of pet escape or release, but did not get established.

Etymology

This species epithet commemorates Swedish explorer Rolf Blomberg who collected the type series.

Description

Rhaebo blombergi is one of the world's largest toads: males measure 15 - 17 cm and females 17 - 25 cm in snout–to–vent length.

Life history

Fecundity of captive individuals has been 15,000–80,000 eggs of 1 - 2 mm in diameter. Captive individuals have an average lifespan of ten years, with the maximum reported age of 28 years.

Habitat and conservation

Rhaebo blombergi inhabit closed lowland tropical rainforest. They breed in pools, both temporary and permanent. It is locally common but considered near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of habitat loss and pollution. It is also collected for pet trade.