Reproduction appears to rely on climatic events which may occur at irregular intervals. Both competition with and predation by the introduced Bufo marinus have been reported. Breeding appears to be sporadic and dependent on occasional heavy rains. There is high fidelity to breeding sites which offer the right combination of elevation, topography, and ponded fresh water. The crested toad is susceptible to a variety of threats at various stages of its life cycle.
Adult toads are cryptic and their presence is difficult to ascertain in advance.
On both the northern and southern coasts of Puerto Rico breeding sites are known to have been destroyed by filling or alteration of drainage patterns. Toads have been taken for the purposes of captive breeding and overcollecting may possible occur in the future. Reproduction is dependent on climatic events that occur at irregular intervals. No Recovery Plan has been approved. It is anticipated that this will be completed in FY 89.