Despite being endemic to a relatively well-studied area, around what year was Anaxyrus baxteri formally described?
Answer
1991
The formal scientific description of *Anaxyrus baxteri* occurred relatively recently, specifically in the year 1991. This timing is noteworthy because the toad is endemic to a section of Wyoming that was already under scientific scrutiny. The late formal description suggests that its unique characteristics may have been overlooked previously, or alternatively, that its population had already declined so drastically by the time of formal description that conservation efforts were immediately required, highlighting a lag between its presence and official scientific recognition.
Related Questions
What detail about Anaxyrus baxteri does the specific epithet baxteri commemorate?To which historical genus was the Wyoming Toad classified before the genus Anaxyrus was established?Which two specific river drainages define the endemic habitat of Anaxyrus baxteri?Placement in the Family Bufonidae confirms the Wyoming Toad possesses which characteristic features?What federal conservation status is officially recognized for Anaxyrus baxteri by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?What underlying scientific reason necessitated the reassignment from Bufo to Anaxyrus?What anatomical feature distinguishes members of the Order Anura, where A. baxteri is placed?Other than genetic data, what physical trait is noted as a feature to distinguish A. baxteri in the field?Despite being endemic to a relatively well-studied area, around what year was Anaxyrus baxteri formally described?How does the specific classification of Anaxyrus baxteri guide captive breeding and reintroduction plans?