Critically Endangered
These are from a small area in Brazil. The last survey of their numbers seems to have been done in 2013, at which point there was the serious threat of them being completely wiped out due to a proposed hydroelectric dam. From what I can find, the dam was canceled in 2014 or 2015, and I think it was due to the toad. That is the most recent information I can find right now. Interestingly, I wouldn't say they have a red-belly. They do have red toes, bottoms of their feet, and a red groin area. The red on them is vibrant, like strawberry jam.
I couldn't bring myself to put more of the toad in the painting. I was getting queasy just looking at the limited number of glands (the bumps) you can see near their face. The thought of having to paint all those on their sides just so you could see the red was not something I could do. Then, my husband mentioned the Suriname sea toad. I'm sorry, but I don't care if I run out of animals to paint, I won't be painting that one. Seriously, it makes me want to vomit when I see it. Nothing against that toad, I just can't handle looking at it without wanting to take a pin to what looks like blisters. I never ever would, but the glands look like blisters that are infected and need to pop to me. In spite of that, I'm really quite pleased with how this painting turned out. I think this little toad looks intelligent and curious, and the limited number of glands doesn't bother me.
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