Cuban Small-eared Toad
Peltophryne empusa
The Cuban small-eared toad, also known as the Cuban toad or Cope's Caribbean toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae that is endemic to Cuba including Isla de Juventud.
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Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_small-eared_toad
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Bufonidae
Genus
Peltophryne
Cuban Small-eared Toad belongs to the family Bufonidae, order Anura, within the Amphibia class.
Species Profile
The Cuban small-eared toad, also known as the Cuban toad or Cope's Caribbean toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae that is endemic to Cuba including Isla de Juventud.
The Cuban Small-eared Toad faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and deforestation across its Cuban range. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events that can disrupt breeding cycles and reduce suitable habitat availability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits tropical dry forests, coastal scrublands, and semi-arid lowland areas across Cuba, typically found in areas with rocky outcrops and temporary pools used for breeding. It occurs from sea level to moderate elevations, favoring areas with dense vegetation cover and seasonal water sources.
Threats
Deforestation and forest fragmentation
Habitat loss from agricultural expansion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change impacts on precipitation patterns
Pollution from agricultural runoff
Found in 1 Country
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Cuban Small-eared Toad (Peltophryne empusa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/cuban-small-eared-toad