Description: It is one of the smallest species in the A. boreas species complex. It can be distinguished from A. boreas by its longer head and limbs, shorter and more narrow parotoid glands, and distinctive mottling on the undersides. It is brownish gray in coloration, flecked with dark brown, irregular spots.
Habitat: This taxon inhabits marshland habitat fed from Big, Reynolds, and Hay Corral springs which results in a severely restricted range with an estimated distribution of 1.13 miles. These outflows are remote and isolated, surrounded by cold desert habitat dominated by Big Sagebrush, Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), Rubber Rabbitbrush , and saltbush with limited usable corridors for amphibian dispersal, which likely restricts this species' movement to other spring localities within Railroad Valley.
Range: It is endemic to the spring-fed wetlands of Lockes Ranch in Railroad Valley, Nye County, Nevada. This is an extremely restricted and remote habitat surrounded otherwise by sagebrush steppe, restricting toad dispersal.
Reproduction: As is common for other members of the A. boreas complex, these toads likely retreat to burrows in the fall, not emerging until spring, when males begin to congregate in shallow water for breeding. Mature males, similar to other members of the A. boreas complex (with the singular exception of B. canorus), do not have an advertisement call, but emit a release call when males come in close contact with one another. Egg masses and tadpoles develop in still, shallow water amid the marshy vegetation of the wetland habitat. In mature males, A. nevadensis, has distinct nuptial pads develop on the dorsal side of the first finger, a typical secondary sexual characteristic exhibited among most bufonids.
Status: Listed as Vulnerable since this species has only been found at one location within a small protected reserve. Ongoing development in the surrounding area may lead to loss and fragmentation of suitable habitats and encroachment into the protected area in the future, which could drive the species to Critically Endangered in a very short time.
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Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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