Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Southeast Asian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) -High Risk

Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.

Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Southeast Asian toad, is a poisonous toad native to Southeast Asia (northern Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India (including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Sri Lanka, southern China (including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau), Myanmar, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Anambas and Natuna Islands). The history of invasiveness for Duttaphrynus melanostictus is classified as High. There have been multiple introductions that resulted in established populations. D. melanostictus has most often been translocated by being a stowaway in international shipping (air and sea). There have been reports of illness due to human consumption of this toad in invaded areas, including at least one death. There are also reports of livestock and wildlife deaths due to consumption of the toad toxin. This species is suspected to compete with native toads and is potentially a carrier for chytrid fungus, an OIE reportable disease. This species is available in the pet trade in the United States. The overall climate match for the contiguous United States is Medium, with the highest areas of match being found in the Southwest and Florida. The certainty of assessment is Medium, due to available impact information but the lack of information from a peer-reviewed source. The overall risk assessment category for Duttaphrynus melanostictus is High.

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High Risk
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Invasive species