Puerto Rican Crested Toad

Range: Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands Habitat: Lowlands, freshwater Conservation Status: Critically endangered Scientific Name: Peltophryne lemur This is the only toad native to Puerto Rico, and once ranged over the entire lowland portion of the island. But habitat loss brought on by an increasing human population is severely reducing its numbers. Another threat is the marine toad, which was brought from South America in the 1920's to control sugar cane grubs. This large, seven-inch toad preys upon the tadpoles of crested toads and also competes with it for food, habitat, and breeding sites.

Here at the Zoo

The Herpetarium is home to our Puerto Rican crested toads.

The Zoo is Helping Puerto Rican Crested Toads at Home...

The Saint Louis Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for Puerto Rican crested toads. This is a cooperative breeding program, with a number of zoos working together to ensure the survival of the species.

...and in the Wild.

The Saint Louis Zoo has been breeding Puerto Rican crested toads for re-introduction into the wild. Learn more about how the Zoo Sends Puerto Rican Crested Toads to Homeland.