Brachycephalidae

The Brachycephalidae are a family of small, Neotropical toads. These amphibians are characterized by a partial or complete fusion of the shoulder girdle in the median line. The term "brachycephalid" refers to a toad belonging to this family.12

Amphibians, including frogs and toads, are found worldwide except in Antarctica and on most remote islands. They are most diverse in humid tropical environments. While many frogs have smooth, moist skin, toads often have rougher, glandular skin, which can be an adaptation to drier habitats. Some frogs and toads have developed specialized structures for survival, such as bony head casques for plugging holes in trees or spade-shaped digging organs on their feet for burrowing.345

Unfortunately, many amphibian populations, including those of frogs, have experienced severe declines. Factors contributing to these declines include habitat destruction, acid rain, global warming, and ozone depletion. A significant cause of frog die-offs is a parasitic fungus known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.3