In the United Arab Emirates the amphibians are only represented by two toads the Arabian toad (Bufo arabica ) and the Dhofar toad (Bufo dhofarensis ), the latter having been confirmed in our region only recently, during a survey undertaken in the mountains. The Arabian toad is slightly larger, with a rounder head and golden speckling, whilst the smaller Dhofar toad has a flatter head with green markings on its body. They occur together in the wadis that have water and can be encountered in large numbers. If wadis dry out, they probably escape desiccation by entering deep and permanently damp crevices, where they possibly burrow. They feed mainly on insects, but cannibalism is widespread. In summer, when small pools dry out, they also feast on the helpless wadi fish whose escape into deeper water is cut-off.
