Western toad (Bufo boreas) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment summary – November 2000

Common name : Western toad

Scientific name : Bufo boreas

Status : Special concern

Reason for designation : This species has suffered population declines and population extirpations, at least one of which is well documented. It is relatively intolerant of urban expansion and the conversion of habitat for agricultural use.  Dependent upon oligotrophic and fishless ponds and small lakes for breeding, it is also sensitive to habitat deterioration, introduced exotic predators and competitors, and disease. This species remains widespread and locally abundant throughout most of its historic range in Canada despite its known vulnerabilities to urban expansion, conversion of habitat for agriculture, habitat deterioration, introduced exotic predators and competitors, and disease, all of which have severely reduced its abundance and range further south.

Occurrence : Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta

Status history : Designated special concern in November 2002. Assessment based on a new status report.