NEW DELHI: An international team of researchers has discovered three new species of fascinating tree-dwelling toads in Tanzania that skip the typical tadpole stage by giving birth to live toadlets.

These species belong to the genus Nectophrynoides, commonly known as “Tree Toads,” which are unique among amphibians for their mode of reproduction.

Unlike most frogs and toads that lay eggs which hatch into tadpoles, female Tree Toads internally fertilise and carry their offspring to full development, releasing tiny fully formed toads directly.

This reproductive strategy, called ovoviviparity, is exceptionally rare among amphibians, practised by less than 1% of frog species worldwide. Tree Toads are among the very few amphibians capable of internal fertilisation and true live birth, making t

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