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Current Status:

Breeding areas, which are seasonal ponds, and other toad habitat, such as limestone hills, are being eliminated by residential and tourist development.

Achievements:

The Puerto Rican crested toad is being bred in captivity at the Toronto Zoo. The species has also been distributed to several zoos in the United States for captive breeding. Toad populations from the northern portion of Puerto Rico are being bred separately from those in the southern portion because these populations may be genetically distinct. Several releases of captive-bred toads have been made in both the northern and southern portions of the island. With the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources has initiated a captive breeding program and has constructed artificial ponds. Additionally, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources is taking steps to protect breeding areas of the southern population. In partnership, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources have purchased land to protect the toad and other endangered species.

Current Recovery Needs:

The primary needs for recovery continue to be captive breeding programs and habitat protection.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1991, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources was given $7,000 for use in characterizing the toad's breeding habitat.

Partnerships

Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources: This Puerto Rican government agency provides protection for the toad, has characterized its habitat, conducts a captive breeding program, and manages breeding habitat in the Guánica Commonwealth Forest. It was also a partner with the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust in the acquisition of Punta Ballena, adjacent to the Guánica Commonwealth Forest, to protect it from development.

Puerto Rico Conservation Trust: In the above mentioned partnership, the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust helped acquire Punta Ballena.

Toronto Zoo: The zoo is conducting a captive breeding program, and has conducted a monitoring program, using transmitters, that successfully tracked released toads.

University of Puerto Rico at Humacao: The University also has an ongoing captive breeding program for the toad.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 8/7/92.