Science7/10/2025NYT

Sonoran Desert Toads, With Their Psychedelic Powers, Appear to Be in Decline

The Sonoran Desert toad, known for its psychedelic properties, appears to be facing a decline, according to new research. The study suggests that the increased interest and demand for the toad's venom, which contains the powerful hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT, has contributed to a significant drop in its population. As stories of the toad's mind-bending effects spread among drug users, the pressure on the species has intensified. The research indicates that the toad's habitat and breeding grounds have been disrupted, leading to a steep decline in their numbers. The findings highlight the delicate balance between the toad's natural role in the ecosystem and the potential for human exploitation. Conservationists are now calling for measures to protect the Sonoran Desert toad and its habitat, in order to ensure the long-term survival of this unique and ecologically important species.

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