Matos-Torres, Jaime J.

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Habitat characterization for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne [Bufo] lemur) at Guánica State Forest, Puerto Rico
(2006) Matos-Torres, Jaime J.; Bird-Picó, Fernando J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Lewis, Allen R.; Berríos Órtiz, Ángel; Department of Biology; Pagán, Melvin
The endemic Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne [Bufo] lemur) is endangered with extinction with only one remaining population located at Guánica State Forest. Habitat associated with toad observations was characterized in terms of vegetation type, vegetation composition, surface characteristics, average temperature and relative humidity as well as water characteristics at breeding ponds. Geographic Information System (GIS) information was collected to make predictive models of toad distribution. Fifty three percent (53%) of observed toads were found in the “rocks & cacti” vegetation association, mostly composed of xerophytic arboreus species and a bare rock surface. Twenty two percent (22%) of observations were related to evergreen association mainly composed of evergreen arboreus species with a leaf litter covered surface. GIS models predict a higher probability of toad observations at the “rocks & cacti” and “evergreen” vegetation near breeding ponds. Breeding ponds showed significant differences in terms of pH and salinity. The Puerto Rican Crested Toad (P. lemur) seems to exploit different habitats at the Guánica State Forest.