HOUSTON TOAD Bufo houstonensis (Sanders) 



Order: SALIENTIA Family: BUFONIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small toad similar in appearance to the American 

 toad, but with large postorbital crests which are heavier than the interorbital crest; 

 and with tendency toward an obliquely striped pattern dorsally . (Sanders, 1963) . 



Present distribution : Nine known , isolated localities , in south-central Texas , several 

 of which probably no longer support a population. 



Former distribution : Probably as for present distribution , although possibly larger 

 and more continuous than now . 



Status : Practically extinct. 



Estimated numbers : Numbered in the dozens at most localities, but in greater numbers 

 in Bastrop area, where the species is found in Bastrop and Buescher State Parks and in 

 adjoining areas . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Probably very low . Some evidence indicates that the 

 species often misses several breeding seasons in a row due to decreased rainfall in 

 the spring (Brown, 1967). 



Reasons for decline : The species is closely associated with loblolly pine areas , and 

 destruction of the habitat through lumbering and road construction has eliminated 

 suitable habitat . The populations within the city limits of Houston are apparently all 

 gone as a consequence of city growth. In addition, the species is being swamped out 

 genetically as a consequence of interspecies hybridization with two other toad species. 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : Protection of habitat where possible, particularly in those State 

 parks where the species occurs . 



Number in captivity : Few , if any . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Probably fairly good, since toad eggs can be fertilized 

 and brought to maturity in the laboratory. A breeding population could be established 

 in Texas , with the crop released in those years when the toads are unable to reproduce . 



References : 



Brown, L. 1967. Doctoral Thesis, University of Texas . 

 Sanders, O. 1953. Herpetologica, 9. 



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