🐸💚 The European Green Toad in Israel 💚🐸 - spotted in a car park in Tel Aviv!

Meet the European green toad (Bufotes viridis).
With its pale skin, olive-green blotches & golden eyes, it’s a master of camouflage in semi-arid landscapes.

These toads can be found all the way from the Negev desert to urban gardens, especially after rains or near temporary ponds & irrigation ditches.
At night, you might hear their trill-like calls, especially during breeding season in spring & early summer.

They face threats from habitat loss & water pollution, & some populations are declining.

They are mildly poisonous, but not dangerous to humans under normal circumstances.

They secrete a milky toxin from glands behind their eyes, which contains bufotoxins - meant to deter predators.

Touching the toad is usually safe, but if the toxin gets into your eyes, mouth, or an open wound, it can cause irritation, nausea, or discomfort.

Children & pets (especially dogs) may be more sensitive & should avoid contact.

Washing hands after contact is a good precaution.
If a dog bites or licks a green toad, it might experience:
*Foaming at the mouth
*Vomiting
*Disorientation
Veterinary attention is advised in such cases.

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