Ross, Gail S.

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    Biotic and abiotic factors affecting calling activity at traditional breeding ponds of Puerto Rican crested toads (Bufo [Peltophryne] lemur) in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico
    (2007) Ross, Gail S.; Bird-Picó, Fernando J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Lewis, Allen R.; Santos, Carlos J.; Puente Rolón, Alberto R.; Department of Biology; Cruz-Burgos, José A.
    The apparent decline in amphibian populations worldwide has driven the need to establish more effective monitoring strategies. Puerto Rico has experienced the loss of three species of amphibians, and a decline in six others including the island’s only endemic toad, the Puerto Rican crested toad (Bufo lemur). Puerto Rican crested toads were once distributed along the northern and southern karst belt of the island but the last known northern individuals were observed in 1992. In this study a survey was carried out in the north of Puerto Rico over the course of a year with an aim to survey amphibians at four documented Puerto Rican crested toad breeding ponds and at a potential captive bred toad release site, compare habitat characteristics, land-use changes, the presence of other pond-dwelling organisms, and develop recommendations on future search protocols and captive bred toad reintroductions. Six species of amphibians, including two exotics (Bufo marinus and Osteopilus septentrionalis) were detected over the 2006 survey period. Puerto Rican crested toads were not detected. Land use change analysis indicated a 21% increase in urban development contiguous to the ponds between 1963 and 2001, but no development between the ponds and Bellaca creek. Additional land use change leading to habitat fragmentation and the presence of invasive amphibians could have played a role in stressing extant Puerto Rican crested toad populations. Without the availability of suitable habitat and protection it would seem impractical to recommend the release of captive bred individuals to the area. Continued and expanded searches may still yield extant individuals.