The Great Plains Toad is a wide-ranging species found primarily in the arid west and grasslands of the north-central states (Fig. 1). It reaches the eastern edge of its range in the tallgrass prairies of Minnesota and Missouri. It is an explosive breeder following heavy rains, and prefers to breed in shallow temporary wetlands (fishless). In Minnesota and North Dakota, breeding typically occurs in late May or June (personal observation). It overwinters on land, but is freeze intolerant (Swanson et al., 1996). To avoid freezing temperatures, toads use their strong hind limbs to dig below the frost line. In the northern portions of their range, this may mean toads dig down 10 ft ( 3 m) or more.

Conservation

Apparently secure across portions of its range (IUCN, 2015), it is a species of conservation concern at range edges. It is listed as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC, 2010), and assigned a S2-S3 rank in a few U.S. states (NatureServe, 2015). Loss of breeding habitat is the primary conservation concern for this species. Increases in the installation of drain tiling in agricultural areas completely eliminates some breeding areas, and significantly reduces hydro-period in others leaving eggs and tadpoles to dry up and die before metamorphosis is complete. In Minnesota, the installation of drain tiling has increased exponentially in recent years.

Toadally Cool Call

Unlike Minnesota's other toads which have a high-pitched musical trill, the Great Plains Toad has a loud mechanical trill, some even consider it an obnoxious call. Hearing protection is recommended when standing in the midst of a large group of Great Plains Toads.