Endangered Species Project
By: Shannah Avila
Native to Texas: Houston Toad (Endangered)
Native to Texas: The Houston Toad (Endangered)
Background Information:
- -Bufo Houstonensis
- -2 to 3.5 in. Long
- -Light brown to purplish-gray with green patches. Underside is pale and has spots
- -Burrow in sand for protection from cold weather in the winter (hibernation) & hot, dry conditions in the summer (aestivation).
- -Breeding is often in February and March started by warm evenings & high humidity
- -Females lay her eggs as strings in water & the male will fertilize them.
- -Males at one yr. old & females breed at 2 yrs. Old.
Threats/Causes of Endangerment
- - Habitat Loss & Alteration are the most serious threats
- -Alteration of wetlands for Urban/Agricultural use makes the toads more vulnerable to predators & increases competition
- -Drought causes loss/reduction in breeding sites
- -High Traffic Roads
- -Red Imported Fire Ants kill young toddlers & also limit their food supply
- -Sensitivity to pollutants e.g. pesticides & organic compounds
Possible Courses of Action for Protection
- -Providing information & education to the general public & landowners of habitat requirements to the toads' lives
- -Protecting pond habitat
- -Conserve management of native vegetation
- -Proper disposal of household, gardening, & agricultural chemicals
- -Special Nongame & Endangered Species are funding for the conservation of habitats to the Houston Toad
Bibliography
"Anaxyrus houstonensis."The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
Crump, Paul. Saving the Houston Toad. Association of Zoos & Aquariums. AZA, n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.
"Houston Toad (Bufo Houstonensis)." Texas Parks & Wildlife. TPW Foundation, n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2015.