Peltophryne fluviatica - Critically Endangered

Figure 1: Peltophryne fluviatica.

Common names:

• Hispaniolan Crestless Toad [1].

Classification:

Kingdom - Animalia

Phylum - Chordata

Class - Amphibia

Order - Anura

Family - Bufonidae

Species -    Peltophryne fluviatica

Distribution:

Figure 2: The extant disrtibution Peltophryne fluviatica [1].

Peltophryne fluviatica is only found in two locations in the Dominican Republic and has a very restricted range (Figure 2) [1]. It is found at 150-175m above sea level [1].

Details:

The Hispaniolan Crestless Toad is found in very dry broadleaf forest habitats, with close proximity to a stream [1]. Males call from running water and females lay their eggs in standing water [1, 2]. Males are ~41cm in length, the size of females is unknown [2]. This species is  an olive green with orange blotches and a beige line down it's spine (Figure 1) [2]. 

Very little is known about this species, it has not been encountered again since its discovery 30 years ago [1]. It is unknown if this species still survives in the wild, additional surveys are required [1, 3].

Threats to the species:

• Agricultural expansion [1].

• Logging [1].

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Similar species:

Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis - Endangered

Glandirana minima - Critically Endangered

Incilius holdridgei - Critically Endangered

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References:

[1] IUCN Red List. (2004). Hispaniolan Crestless Toad, Peltophryne fluviatica. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/54639/11179710. [Accessed 5 May 2019].

[2] Powell, R. and Pregill, G.K., 1991. Peltophryne fluviatica. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (CAAR).

[3] REPAD. (2013). Peltophryne fluviatica. [ONLINE] Available at: https://recentlyextinctspecies.com/database/animals/72-anura-frogs-and-toads/1818-peltophryne-fluviatica [Accessed 5 May 2019].

Photo: Powell, R. and Pregill, G.K., 1991. Peltophryne fluviatica. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles (CAAR).