Hydrology of an ephemeral tropical pond and breeding habitat for the endangered Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne lemur)

Peltophryne lemur, is the endemic toad of Puerto Rico. It was declared a threatened species in 1987 but after more than 20 years of research and conservation efforts the species is now considered stable. Peltophryne lemur is the first amphibian to be part of the Species Survival Program formed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  Currently, the only natural breeding habitat is the Tamarindo pond, an ephemeral coastal lagoon located in the Guánica Biosphere Reserve, southwest Puerto Rico. This study was conducted to document habitat conditions after reproduction events and during the growth and development of P. lemur tadpoles. After the heavy rains in August 2008, the Tamarindo pond was divided into five study sites to account for spatial variability within the pond.  The pond’s physico-chemistry was studied for a period of three months.  Three reproductive events were observed during the 2008’s rainy season: one in August and two in September. A tropical depression increased water levels to a meter deep in the deepest part of the pond and reduced salinity from 5 to 1 ppt. Water temperature ranged from 24 to 37 ° C. Dissolved oxygen and pH were very variable during the study period. During this period, tadpole densities ranged from 100 to 2,000 individuals. This study has provided important information for the conservation efforts of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad.