Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad

The oriental fire-bellied toad (Bombina orientalis) is a sociable little creature with a vibrant underside. Let’s find out more about them here!

What is an oriental fire-bellied toad?

Oriental fire-bellied toads are semi aquatic creatures, spending their time in water as well as in coniferous and broadleaved forests. Part of the ancient toad family Bombinatoridae, there are 8 species of fire-bellied toads as well as 2 species of jungle toads under the same family. As well as the oriental fire-bellied toad, you’ll also find there is a European counterpart (Bombina bombina).

Interestingly, the oriental fire-bellied toad isn’t a true toad at all, but rather a primitive frog. This is because they don’t belong to the true toad family Bufonidae.

Native habitat and range

Oriental fire-bellied toads are typically found across northeastern China, into Korea, southern Japan and even some parts of Russia. They spend most of their time in slow-moving streams and ponds, but they also inhabit the likes of mixed forests, open meadows and river valleys. They hibernate from September to May, creating burrows in rotting logs or leaf piles.

Appearance and physical features

Oriental fire-bellied toads usually range from brown to bright green in colour, with their backs covered in warts or tubercles. However, their bellies are bright red or orange and marbled with black spots, giving them their name. The tips of their toes are also red or orange. They grow to around 6cm, and unlike most toads the pupil of their eye is triangular.

Conservation status

While oriental fire-bellied toads are threatened by habitat loss and degradation and their population is declining, they are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. They are present in a number of protected areas across China and Korea, as well as nature reserves in Russia.

Quick fire facts

Here’s some more interesting information about this fascinating amphibian:

• Oriental fire-bellied toads secrete toxins from their skin for protection from predators.
• They are known for their unken reflex, which involves rising up on their front legs and arching their back to reveal their bright underside. This warns predators of their toxicity.
• Oriental fire-bellied toads do not have an eardrum.
• Male fire-bellied toads make their croaking calls through inhalation, not exhalation.
• The Bombinatoridae family can’t extend their tongues like other frogs and toads, instead having to leap forward to catch prey with their mouths.
• Oriental fire-bellied toads are insectivores, typically feeding on crickets and worms.

Find us in Freshwater Zone

You’ll find these small but vibrant toads in our Freshwater Zone, alongside other species like catfish, axolotl and iguana.