CR

Portland Ridge Frog

Eleutherodactylus cavernicola

Declining

Overview

Eleutherodactylus cavernicola is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae endemic to Jamaica. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and caves. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Eleutherodactylus cavernicola faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to limestone quarrying and cave disturbance in its restricted Puerto Rican range. The species' dependence on specific cave microenvironments makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes and human intrusion. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture balance required for this cave-dwelling frog's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits limestone caves and associated karst formations in Puerto Rico, requiring specific microenvironments with stable temperature and humidity levels. The frog depends on the unique ecological conditions found within cave systems, including appropriate moisture levels and substrate for reproduction and shelter.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Portland Ridge Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Portland Ridge Frog 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 cavernicola faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to limestone quarrying and cave disturbance in its restricted Puerto Rican range. The species' dependence on specific cave microenvironments makes it extremely vulnerable to hydrological changes and human intrusion. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture balance required for this cave-dwelling frog's survival.
Where does Portland Ridge Frog live?
Portland Ridge Frog occurs in Jamaica. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Portland Ridge Frog?
The main threats to Portland Ridge Frog are 11.1, 2.1, 3.2, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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