Dhofar Toad \ Firouzophrynus dhufarensis **
The Dhofar Toad (Firouzophrynus dhufarensis), formerly placed in Duttaphrynus, is a mediumβsized, stoutβbodied toad endemic to the monsoonβinfluenced Dhofar region of southern Oman and adjacent Wadi Hadhramaut in Yemen. Unlike its more widespread cousin Bufotes viridis, F. dhufarensis thrives in the seasonal pools and shaded rock crevices of its fogβbelt highlands, where summer βkhareefβ rains transform arid slopes into verdant breeding grounds. Its dorsal skin is finely warty and colored oliveβbrown with darker mottling, while prominent parotoid glands secrete mild toxins to deter predators. Males gather in choruses at ephemeral pools, emitting a low, rhythmic βuk-uk-ukβ call to attract females. Although locally abundant where water persists, the speciesβ restricted range makes it vulnerable to habitat disturbance, so ongoing monitoring of its unique, fogβdependent ecosystem is essential.
| NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |

