Golden Coqui
CR

Golden Coqui

Eleutherodactylus jasperi

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_coqu%C3%AD

Overview

The golden coquí is a rare, possibly extinct species of frog endemic to Puerto Rico.

Eleutherodactylus jasperi faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in Puerto Rico. The species is particularly vulnerable to introduced predators and competitors, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting its moisture-dependent breeding requirements. Hurricane damage has historically devastated populations, with recovery hampered by the species' restricted distribution and small population size.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Puerto Rican frog inhabits moist limestone forests and caves in the karst region, particularly favoring areas with dense vegetation cover and high humidity levels. The species requires specific microhabitat conditions including leaf litter, rock crevices, and cave entrances for shelter and breeding.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in ELEUTHERODACTYLIDAE

Oriente Yellow-mottled FrogVU

Oriente Yellow-mottled Frog

Eleutherodactylus ricordii

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Eleutherodactylus manantlanensisCR

Eleutherodactylus manantlanensis

Unknown
Eleutherodactylus amadeusCR

Eleutherodactylus amadeus

Declining
CR

Haitian Marshfrog

Eleutherodactylus caribe

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Threatened in Puerto Rico

EN

Leptocereus quadricostatus

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Broadstripe Goby

Elacatinus prochilos

Unknown
Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Golden Coqui classified as Critically Endangered?
Golden Coqui is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Eleutherodactylus jasperi faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in Puerto Rico. The species is particularly vulnerable to introduced predators and competitors, while climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns affecting its moisture-dependent breeding requirements. Hurricane damage has historically devastated populations, with recovery hampered by the species' restricted distribution and small population size.
Where does Golden Coqui live?
Golden Coqui occurs in Puerto Rico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Golden Coqui?
The main threats to Golden Coqui are 11.1, 5.3, 8.1, and 8.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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