Hello Fellow Explorers!
I wanted to introduce y'all to my toad ally and companion, Shpongle, who is a Bufo alvarius, aka Sonoran Desert Toad or Colorado River Toad.
Bufo alvarius, as y'all might already be aware of, is quite a unique living being due to the fact that it is the only (so far...) animal known to secrete 5-Methoxy-Dimethyltryptamine and bufotenin. They secrete these potent alkaloids from their parotid glands, which are located at the back of the head and all four legs. They obviously use this ability as a defense mechanism when in danger.
Glands are very prominent. ^
B. alvarius is found in a small area in the southwestern portion of the United States and into Mexico. They inhabit desert and semi-arid regions along the Colorado River and Gila River catchment areas in southeastern California, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. They are semi-aquatic and often found in streams, near springs, in canals and drainage ditches, and under water troughs when it is the rainy season. Otherwise they will stay buried in their burrows when it is dry, waiting for a heavy rain to emerge and gorge on insects, small rodents, fish, and even birds. They are very aggressive and big eaters. I feed mine about once or twice a week and that consists of 2 pinky mice, a Goliath worm or 2, and a dozen crickets for him to munch at his own leisure.
I happened to get my Bufo alvarius due to a rather odd situation and decided to care for him as a companion. I treat him with the utmost respect and its a blessing to just have such an amazing ally present in my home. He is a true joy. I personally do not milk him for his venom since I view it as a pretty big invasion of his own being and respect him in that sense. Even though some gave reported that Bufo alvarius venom can clock on at a whopping 16% alkaloidal content!!
Hope you all enjoy!
