(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
OTHER COMMON NAMES - TOAD, CRESTED and PUERTO RICAN;SAPO CONCHO DE PUERTO RICO
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Amphibians
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - AMPHIBIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ANURA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - BUFONIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PELTOPHRYNE,
SPECIES AND SSP - LEMUR,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - PELTOPHRYNE LEMUR
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Peltophryne lemur Cope, 1868
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Amphibian
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Amphibia
ORDER: Anura FAMILY: Bufonidae
Peltophryne lemur is a medium-sized toad, 64 to 120 mm (2.5 to
4.5 inches) in snout-vent length. It is yellowish- olive to
blackish-brown and has prominent supraorbital crests and a
distinctive long, upturned snout. Males (64-87 mm snout vent length)
are considerably smaller than females (93-120 SVL) and exhibit less
prominent crests (01,06,07).
P. lemur is the only native bufonis of the Puerto Rican Island
Shelf. The crested toad was first named and described by Cope in 1868
and has been referred to and described in Garcia-Diaz (04), Grant
(05), Rivero (09), Rivero et al (10), Schmidt (11) and Schwartz and
Thomas (12). It was placed in the genus Bufo by Stejneger (13) but
recently the native bufonids have been regrouped by Pregill under the
genus Peltophryne, in recognition of their presumed monophyletic
origin (08).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
T: Federal Threatened
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur) has been
designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11;P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540),
as amended. The species has this status wherever found including the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Puerto Rico Department of Natural
Resources
STATE STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of Threatened
and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico. 1985.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species does not have known commercial value.
86/12/23:51 FR 45923/45926 - Proposed rule
87/08/04:52 FR 28828/28831 - Final rule; listing as Threatened
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Cropland and Pasture
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Deciduous Forest Land
Nonforested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Palustrine UB
Palustrine SS
Palustrine OW0
Palustrine EM
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Peltophryne lemur is found in semi-arid, rocky areas of Puerto
Rico. Records from areas of high rainfall such as Bayamon, Vega Baja,
Arecibo, Isabela, and Barceloneta exist, however, these are within the
karst region where soils are porous and well-drained and calcareous
rocks and fissures are abundant. This north coast area has been
identified as the subtropical moist forest life zone by Ewel and
Whitmore (03). Populations on the south coast near Guanica are found
in what has been classified by these same authors as the subtropical
dry forest life zone. Soils here are also limestone derived and
outcroppings and fissures are abundant.
Three major life stages have been identified for the Puerto Rican
crested toad: tadpole; toadlet; and adult. Quite different
environmental conditions are required for each. Adult toads are
semifossorial and are widely dispersed when not breeding. Adults may
be found in limestone fissures, under limestone boulders, and in
cavities. Although not completely understood, breeding in Guanica is
sporadic and dependent upon occasional heavy rains. Breeding is known
to occur at two coastal sites which flood when sufficient rainfall is
received.
In the Quebradillas area Peltophryne lemur has been observed
breeding in permanent cattle watering troughs. A disadvantage is the
tendency for Bufo marinus to congregate there (06,07).
Guanica Forest is a coastal forest in the southwestern part of
Puerto Rico. Seven vegetation associations have been identified,
containing a total of more than 700 species of plants. The Forest is
underlain by limestone sedimentary rocks, Tertiary in origin. Marine
fossils are abundant. Soils are derived from limestone and are
shallow, well-drained and alkaline. Limestone outcrops cover much of
the area in Guanica and only interspersed patches of shallow soil are
present (03,06,10).
Mean annual precipitation in Guanica is approximately 79 cm,
distributed in distinct wet and dry seasons. Over 55 percent of the
precipitation falls during the wet season, August through November.
The dry season extends from January through March. Mean annual
temperature has been reported to be 25.3 degrees C with a mean
monthly minimum of 23.5 degrees C and a mean monthly maximum of
Habitat Associations - 1 26.7 degrees C. Short-term studies have reported an absolute minimum
of 15.0 degrees C and an absolute maximum of 36.1 degrees C (06). A
water deficit has been reported to occur throughout the year with an
estimated potential evapotranspiration of 125 cm per year (07,01).
Mean annual precipitation in the Quebradillas area has been
reported to be 90 cm (07).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
General Worms
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G Human Association: Farm ponds
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Little is known about the food habits of the Puerto Rican crested
toad in its natural environment. The species has, however, been
propagated in captivity and an adequate diet has been established
(07). During the first 36 to 48 hours newly hatched tadpoles are
left with the gelatinous masses of the egg strings as they appear to
feed on the gelatin. After the first 48 hours they are offered a
combination of flake fish foods which are supplemented with Vionate
powder and bonemeal. The feeding response is drastically reduced as
tadpoles begin to absorb their tail at metamorphosis.
Toadlets are fed one-week old crickets dusted with Vionate and
bonemeal. As they begin to display search/stalk behavior other feed
animals are offered. These include small mealworms, ants, drosophila,
earthworms, waxworms, flour beetles and their larvae (07). Adult
toads are fed "dusted" crickets twice weekly and baby mice once a
week (07).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Adult toads disperse widely when not breeding, however, it has
been reported that fidelity to breeding sites is strong. Marked
toads have been found 4 km from the breeding sites in Guanica Forest
(01,06).
PERIODICITY:
Little is known about the periodicity of the crested toad.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Puerto Rican crested toad moves to and from the breeding
sites. Individuals have been reported as far away as 4 km from the
two breeding sites in Guanica Forest (01,06).
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Little is known about the cover and shelter needed for this
species survival. When not breeding mature individuals have been
observed in limstone fissures and cavities and beneath limstone
boulders throughout Guanica Forest.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Breeding occurs when sufficient surface water is available at the
breeding site. Little is known about the required depth of the water
or the time the standing water must remain in order for the
reproductive cycle to be completed. At the Quebradillas site breeding
occurs in permanent cattle watering troughs (07).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Current knowledge of non-captive reproductive habits for the
crested toad is limited. Breeding occurs in temporary pools formed
during the rainy season and as water evaporates or percolates down
through the soil, water temperatures rise and metamorphosis occurs.
A breeding episode in Guanica Forest in July, 1984 was reported to
have lasted more than two weeks (from emergence of adults through
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
metamorphosis). Males outnumbered females with an estimated sex
ratio of 4:1. Males emerge first and females follow, breed, and
leave the ponds during or after the first night. Eggs hatch within
24 hours and tadpoles metamorphose within 25 days. Tadpole mortality
to predators is low and density-independent factors such as the
drying out of the temporary ponds may be a more important limiting
factor (01,06). Length of time for maturation in the wild is not
known, but probably does not occur before at least the second year
(07).
PARENTAL CARE:
Males emerge first, females follow, breed, and leave the pond
within the first 24 hours (01,06,07).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Current limiting factors include the availability of suitable
breeding sites, interspecific competition with Bufo marinus and
predation by species such as mongoose, feral dogs and cats. It has
been mentioned that predation by B. marinus may occur. Development
on the northern coast probably reduced the once more numerous
populations. Reproduction appears to rely on climatic events which
may occur at irregular intervals. Extremes in sex ratios have been
reported (01,06,07).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Both competition with and predation by the introduced Bufo
marinus have been reported. Predation by wading birds on dispersing
toadlets has been reported to be heavy (01,06,07).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Existing Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Adverse Strip mining
Existing Strip mining
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
Adverse
Existing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Adult toads are semifossorial and widely dispersed when not
breeding. Breeding appears to be sporadic and dependent on
occasional heavy rains. There is high fidelity to breeding sites
which offer the right combination of elevation, topography, and ponded
fresh water. The crested toad is susceptible to a variety of threats
at various stages of its life cycle. Adult toads are cryptic and
their presence is difficult to ascertain in advance. On both the
northern and southern coasts of Puerto Rico breeding sites are known
to have been destroyed by filling or alteration of drainage patterns.
The main breeding sites in the area of Guanica Forest are being
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
threatened by resort development and road construction (01,06,07,14).
Toads have been taken for the purposes of captive breeding and
overcollecting may possible occur in the future.
Reproduction is dependent on climatic events that occur at
irregular intervals. Compounded by the reduced availablility of
breeding sites this may create natural fluctuations in the population
size which may result in the elimination of entire subpopulations
(14).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
No Recovery Plan has been approved. It is anticipated
that this will be completed in FY 89.
Some recommendations for recovery include:
-Transplanting wild eggs
-Transplanting wild individuals
-Captive breeding (ongoing)
-Land acquisition
-Wetland management
-Limiting human access
-Controlling off-road vehicles
Captive breeding is presently ongoing at the Buffalo Zoo.
Toadlet release in Cambalache Commonwealth Forest and at Guanica
Forest has taken place. Follow-up should occur on the success of
these releases. The captive breeding program has been successful
and should continue to be supported.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species TOAD, CRESTED, PUERTO RICAN
Species Id ESIS204003
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Canals, Miguel. 1988. Guanica Commonwealth Forest. Department of
Natural Resources, Puerto Rico. Personal Communication.
02 Cope, E. D. 1968. Sixth contribution to the herpetology of
Tropical America. Proc. Phila. Acad. Sci. 305-313.
03 Ewel, J. J. and J. L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones
of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Forest Service
Research Paper ITF-18. 72 pp.
04 Garcia-Diaz, J. 1967. Rediscovery of Bufo lemur (Cope) and
additional records of reptiles from Puerto Rico. Stahlia 10:
1-6.
05 Grant, C. 1932. Bufo lemur, a rare Porto Rican toad. J. Dept.
Agric., P. R. 16(1): 41.
06 Moreno, J. 1985. Notes on Peltophryne lemur Cope. Unpublished
manuscript.
07 Paine, F. L. The husbandry, management and reproduction of the
Puerto Rican crested toad (Bufo lemur). Manuscript.
08 Pregill, G. 1981. Cranial morphology and the evolution of West
Indian toads (Salientia: Bufonidae): Resurrection of the genus
Peltophryne Fitzinger. Copeia.
09 Rivero, J. A. 1978. Los Anfibios y Reptilios de Puerto Rico. UPR
Press, Rio Pidras.
10 Rivero, J. A., Mayorga, H. Estremera, E. and I. Izquierdo. 1980.
Sobre el Bufo lemur (Cope). Carib. J. Sci. 15:33-40.
11 Schmidt, K. P. 1928. Amphibians and land reptiles of Porto Rico,
with a list of those reported from the Virgin Islands. N.Y.
Acad. Sci. Scient. Survey of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
10:1-160.
12 Scwartz, A. and R. Thomas. 1975. A check-list of West Indian
Amphibians and reptiles. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. Special Publ.
1.
13 Stejneger, L. 1904. The Herpetology of Puerto Rico. Report U.S.
Nat. Mus., 1902: 549-724.
14 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Final Rule for Peltophryne lemur,
threatened. Federal Register 52:28828/28831. August 4, 1987.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Moreno, J. A. 1985. Notes on Peltophryne lemur. Unpublished
report. 6 pp.
02 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Final Rule for Peltophryne lemur,
threatened. Federal Register 52:28828/28831. August 4, 1987.
References - 1