Puerto Rico Critical Wildlife Areas - Puerto DRNA - Gobierno de ...

Seca is where it meets the Guajataca River; the area have been used for many years for cattle
grazing; sediments from an existing limestone quarry and rubbish of human origin are
frequently found (Santiago Valentín 1995).
On both the northern and southern coasts of Puerto Rico breeding sites of the
endangered Puerto Rican crested toad are known to have been destroyed by filling or alteration
of drainage patterns (USFWS 1992). Development on the northern coast probably reduced the
once more numerous populations. 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 have been mentioned that predation by B. marinus may occur.
Conservation Recommendations:
Continue to propagate Puerto Rican crested toads suitable for reestablishment in the
wild, including in Barrio Coto. The species has been propagated in captivity and an adequate
diet has been established (Paine 1984). Based on habitat characterization, potential introduction
sites within Barrio Coto should be identified. New sites need to be as remote as practical to
minimize the chance of single catastrophic loss (USFWS 1992). The selected site should be
acquired by the Commonwealth and/or other Agencies to ensure the protection of the lands.
References:
Ewel, J.J., and J.L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones of Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands. U.S. Dept. Agric. For. Serc. Res. Pub. ITF-18. Rio Piedras, P.R. 71 pp.
García-Díaz, J. 1967. Rediscovery of Bufo lemur (Cope) and additional records of reptiles from
Puerto Rico. Stahlia. 10:1-6.
Paine, F.L. 1984. The husbandry, management & reproduction of the Puerto Rican crested toad
(Bufo lemur). 8 th Annu. Proc. Of the Intl. Herpetological Symposium, Columbus, Ohio. 28
pp.
Proctor, G. 1991. Puerto Rican plant species of special concern; status and recommendations.
Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Puerto Rico. Publicación Científica Miscelánea
No. 2. 196 pp.
Santiago Valentín, E. 1995. Reproductive and Population Ecology of Goetzea elegans wydler
(Solanaceae or Goetzeaceae). A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Science in Biology. University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Campus. 174 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Recovery Plan for the Puerto Rican crested toad
(Peltophryne lemur). Atlanta, Georgia. 19 pp.
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