Cuban Small-eared Toad
VU

Cuban Small-eared Toad

Peltophryne empusa

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_small-eared_toad

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cuban Small-eared Toad classified as Vulnerable?
Cuban Small-eared Toad is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does Cuban Small-eared Toad live?
Cuban Small-eared Toad occurs in Cuba. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cuban Small-eared Toad?
The main threats to Cuban Small-eared Toad are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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