Order Anura Higher classification Toads | Phylum Chordata Family Bufonidae Scientific name Bufo lemur Rank Species | |
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Similar Peltophryne, Amphibians, Frog, Toads, True toad | ||
Puerto rican crested toad
The Puerto Rican crested toad or simply Puerto Rican toad (Peltophryne lemur) is a species of toad found only in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is the only species of toad native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The species formerly occurred in Virgin Gorda and along the southern and northern karst in Puerto Rico. It is listed as a threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service due to habitat loss and introduced species. At one period of time it was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1966. The IUCN has the species listed as critically endangered.
Contents
Puerto rican crested toads at the oakland zoo
Conservation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums have worked together to create a captive breeding program run by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2013, the group released 71,000 tadpoles and 520 toadlets across three locations. The group has released 260,000 tadpoles over the last twenty years.
