Metamorph, 295′, Veracruz, Mexico
Venter
TUXTLAN TOAD
Bufo cavifrons – Firschein 1950
IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Bufo cavifrons is endemic to the isolated Sierra de los Tuxtlas region (including Volcan Santa Marta) of Veracruz, Mexico. Here, it occurs at elevations of 75-1600m.
HABITAT:
Rain Forest Habitat, 295′, Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico
Oviposition Site, 320′, Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico
NATURAL HISTORY:
Bufo cavifrons is a stream-breeding, forest dwelling species that does not generally thrive where native forest has been cleared. It generally occurs in Tropical Rainforest and Tropical Deciduous Forest environments. Breeding takes place mainly in the dry season but may occur to some degree year-round.
TAXONOMY:
In the Bufo valliceps group of Martin (1972).
TYPE:
Described as Bufo cavifrons by Firschein (1950). Holotype: UIMNH 8741. Type locality: “500 feet below peak of Volcán San MartÃn, San Andrés Tuxtla, Veracruz, Mexico”.
PERSONAL NOTES:
In late June, 2005 I encountered a large number of recently metamorphosed Bufo cavifrons along a stream adjacent to the UNAM Biological Research Station in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz. They were abundant along the shaded, rocky streamcourse and never more than a few feet from the waters’ edge. Young Eleutherodactylus vulcani were found here in similar numbers.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Bufo cavifrons is currently listed as “Endangered” due to a highly fragmented and decreasing population, as well as continued habitat destruction within it’s small natural range.
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