Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Couatl's Suriname toad
Scientific name: Pipa pipa

IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: BUFOIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Shyness: Somewhat shy
Safe distance: 5 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.10
Gestation: 40 à 50 jours
Births: 01.11-10.11
Habitat:
Slow-moving waters, swamps, humid tropical forests
Description:
The Suriname Toad is a fascinating amphibian species, known for its unique appearance and extraordinary reproductive behavior. This flat and wide toad is often called the 'birthing toad' because of the way it carries its eggs on its back, where the tadpoles develop until they are ready to hatch. It primarily lives in slow-moving waters and swamps in the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana. Its flat body allows it to hide easily in aquatic substrate, and it is primarily nocturnal. Its skin is a brownish-green, and its appearance allows it to blend perfectly into its aquatic environment.
Recommended lens:
>=Macro
Photography tips:
Photograph the Suriname Toad in its aquatic environment using soft lighting to avoid disturbing its nocturnal behavior. Use a macro lens to capture the details of its rough skin and back, where the eggs are visible. Be discreet and avoid disturbing the animal, photographing from a respectful distance. Capture its unique reproductive behavior, where the tadpoles are visible on its back.
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