AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Incilius holdridgei
Holdridge's Toad
(Taylor, 1952)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A very rare, small-to-medium toad once thought to be extinct, known for its unique cranial crests and cryptic coloration.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Holdridge's ToadSapo sordo de Holdridge
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Amphibia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Anura
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Bufonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Incilius
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Taylor, 1952)
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Restricted to high-elevation cloud forests in Costa Rica, specifically in the Cordillera Central.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Elusive, terrestrial to semi-fossorial; primarily active during foggy and rainy periods.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist micro-invertivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds on tiny forest floor arthropods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Direct development or specialized larval pools; poorly understood due to its rarity.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 5.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
5 g - 20 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 200
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
2 - 4
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller with distinct nuptial coloration.
Females Multi-lang
Females are larger to accommodate clutch development.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Highly specialized for life in the cool, perennially wet conditions of cloud forest microclimates.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Chytridiomycosis (fungal infection) and extreme sensitivity to microclimate shifts due to climate change.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
A 'Lazarus taxon' rediscovered in 2010 after decades of no sightings; currently the focus of intensive conservation efforts.