Once common, this endangered amphibian's total wild population now emanates from a single breeding pond in the Guanica State Forest.
Human activity is responsible for eroding the status of the crested toad.
Dogs, cats, mongoose, rats, and a superior competitor, the giant marine toad have all played a part in reducing the crested toad's chances for survival. Previously thought to be extinct, six toads were collected for captive breeding in 1982. At that time, it was estimated that less than 200 crested toads remained. Keeper Norm Haskell arranged a circulating rain shower to precondition a group of adult toads for breeding. To keep them alive, Haskell had to carefully filter and monitor the water changes.