#european common toad

A study suggests that toads at higher altitudes live longer and grow more slowly than toads at lower altitudes. Separate populations of European common toads[Bufo bufo] living in the Alps were compared to determine the ages of specimens at different elevations. Toads living at heights exceeding 2110 m above sea level were shown to be older, on average, than toads living at lower elevations. These toads were also believed to mature more slowly. Similar observations were made of other amphibian species living in the Alps. Images by Oliver Born.