Coquí Guajón (Eleutherodactylus cooki) Photo by Dereck Figueroa
Have you ever imagined what our nights would be like without hearing the serene sound of the “coquí” in the background? Can you name at least three amphibians endemic to Puerto Rico? Amphibians play a substantial role in the conservation of Puerto Rico's ecosystem. Their contribution in biological controls through pest regulation is one of the many beneficial factors that these species provide. However, climate change is affecting them and not many are aware of this. The scientific community of Puerto Rico was interviewed last Thursday, April 15 by WAPA Noticentro to present their environmental report on the Guánica Dry Forest. In this interview they presented the amphibians of Puerto Rico that are currently in serious danger and the reasons why this disastrous event is occurring.
The Amphibia class is classified as ectothermic, meaning that they are temperature-dependent species. Undoubtedly, climate change affects the body temperature of these organisms, causing their death on extreme occasions. In addition, there are other factors that affect the population level of these species, for example:
- Excess pollution from the release of fossil fuels and natural gases.
- The high percentage of salinity present in the ponds, considering that these are the main breeding areas for these organisms.
- Release of oil into the environment.
- Soil contamination with herbicides.
- Coal liberation, specifically in the southern part of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico currently has twenty-five species of amphibians, nineteen of which are native and seventeen are coquíes. According to statistics from the Coqui Project website, 18% of the species are extinct and 59% are endangered. In Dr. Joglar's interview, the species that are in serious survival difficulties were mentioned:
- Coquí Caoba-Eleutherodactylus richmondi
- Coquí Grillo- Eleutherodactylus gryllus
- The little hammer-Eleutherodactylus locustus
- Mountain Coqui- Eleutherodactylus portoricensis
- Coquí Guajón- Eleutherodactylus cooki
- Sapo Concho- Peltophryne lemur
During Dr. Cáceres“ interview we were able to understand how the increased salinity of the ponds is a threat to the survival of the concho toads. Considering that these areas are usually susceptible for reproduction, the species proceed to lay their eggs. ”The reproduction process takes place, what doesn't go well is the metamorphosis process of the tadpoles...", comments the doctor regarding the increase of salinization in the ponds of the Guánica Dry Forest. In addition, possible events such as droughts or the increase in temperature could be affecting the formation of these pools and, consequently, the embryonic development of the choncho toad. For these reasons, the scientific community is working on the formation of reintroduction ponds, with the purpose of creating a suitable environment for the development of the young of these species.
It is inevitable to blame ourselves for this type of situation. However, it would be much more effective if, in addition to recognizing the misfortunes that are arising in our environment, we would take action and educate the public. It seems crucial to me to educate ourselves about the environmental conservation and animal protection entities that work in Puerto Rico. In this way it is possible to create awareness about the environmental events that are taking place and at the same time, we would contribute to the improvement of our environment. One of the organizations responsible for the development plan of reintroduction ponds and protection of these species is the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. Taking into account how prone the Guánica Dry Forest can be to fires, as can be the other arid environments where the concho toads promote their reproduction, it is in our hands the care and maintenance of these areas. A piece of advice given by Dr. Darien López, director of the Guánica Dry Forest, is to avoid bonfires, throwing cigarettes, throwing garbage or cooking outside the designated areas. Definitely, we must become aware individually; that we should think before leaving that mask on the ground, or smoking a cigarette to throw it half lit near some weeds. We must always remember that we share the same space in this life and that the damage we may be unconsciously causing to other organisms is the same damage we are reciprocally causing to our own. Let's concentrate on working to develop a better and cleaner Puerto Rico for you, your family, friends and the other animals that accompany us.
References:
Ortiz, M. (2021, April 7). Puerto Rican concho toad. DRNA. https://www.drna.pr.gov/programas-y-proyectos/sapo-concho-puertorriqueno/
Rosa Vélez, M. (2012, August 24). Emphasizes the value of amphibians. UPRM.edu. http://admin.uprm.edu/portada/article.php?id=2301
Joglar, R. (n.d.). Project Coquí» We. Coquí Project. Retrieved April 30, 2021, from https://www.proyectocoqui.com/nosotros/
López, N. R. (2015, August 11). Drought extinguishes the song of the coqui - WAPA TV Channel 4, 11-August-2015 | Laboratorio de Ecología de Herpetofauna | Neftalí Ríos López. UPRH.Edu. http://www.uprh.edu/labneftali/proyectos/proyecto-de-cuido/documentos-de-interes/sequia-apaga-el-canto-del.html
About the author:
Marieliz Dieppa Rodríguez
Third year undergraduate student in the Biology concentration at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey, active member of the medical technology association (TMED) in Cayey and volunteer in the area of project assistance at Conservation Opportunity.