What is a toad"?

A toad is a solitary amphibian with a stout body, rough and dry skin, short legs, and a hopping mode of movement. It typically has a squat appearance, with a distinct head and a pair of prominent parotoid glands behind its eyes, which secrete toxins as a defense mechanism. Toads are well-adapted to terrestrial life and can be found in various habitats worldwide, ranging from forests and grasslands to deserts and wetlands. They are known for their distinct croaking sound, which is often heard during mating season. Toads play an important ecological role by controlling insect populations and serving as a food source for other animals.