Peltophryne fluviatica

Peltophryne fluviatica
Conservation status
Critically endangered, possibly extinct  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Bufonidae
Genus:	Peltophryne
Species:	P. fluviatica
Binomial name
Peltophryne fluviatica (Schwartz, 1972)
Synonyms
Bufo fluviaticusSchwartz, 1972 [2]

Peltophryne fluviatica, also known as the Dominican Caribbean toad or Hispaniolan crestless toad, is a species of toad endemic to the Cibao Valley in the northwestern Dominican Republic. ^[3] It has only been recorded at two localities. ^[1]

Description

Males measure 33–44 mm (1.3–1.7 in) in snout–vent length; the size of females are unknown. Snout is acuminate and tympanum is distinct. Dorsum bears numerous scattered small warts; those in the paratoid areas are more prominent. Dorsal ground color is green, from bright to olive. There are often bright yellow—orange spots or blotches and a light tan—yellow middorsal hairline. ^[4]

Habitat

Peltophryne fluviatica occurs in xeric habitats with broadleaf gallery forest, usually close to streams. Males call from shallow running water. Eggs are deposited in still water. ^[1]

Conservation

Peltophryne fluviatica is listed as a Critically Endangered or possibly extinct species due to a restricted range and continual habitat loss. ^[1] The species has not been seen since it was described in 1972 and features on the list of "Lost Frogs". ^[5] It is uncertain whether it still exists in the wild. ^[1]

References

1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2022). "Peltophryne fluviatica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2022 e.T54639A3017021. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T54639A3017021.en . Retrieved 2 July 2024.
2. Schwartz, A. (1972). "The native toads (Anura, Bufonidae) of Hispaniola". Journal of Herpetology. 6 (3/4): 217–231. doi:10.2307/1562774. JSTOR   1562774.
3. Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Peltophryne fluviatica (Schwartz, 1972)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
4. Powell, R. & G. K. Pregill (1991). "Peltophryne fluviatica". Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. 507: 1–2. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02.
5. "The Search for Lost Frogs". amphibians.org. Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) and Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA). 2014. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2015.