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Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, the Houston toad was the first tailless amphibian to be listed federally in 1973. Even in places where the Houston toads aren’t found, it’s still important to recognize them as endangered and in need of your help!

Lawfully Protected

Houston Toad Safe Harbor Agreement

This voluntary agreement is between private landowners whose actions positively contribute to the preservation of the Houston toads. Is it under the Endangered Species Act, enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and carried out by concerned people who want the best for the toad (TPWD, 2017).

Houston Toad Recovery Plan

“Houston toads occur in nine different Texas counties but haven’t been spotted in Houston since 1976”

(Lannoo, 2005).

Every endangered animal is assigned a protocol that is designed to de-list them from the ESA, which creates a bounce-back plan containing the protocols of rehabilitation for every species that is subject to endangered. This particular plan aimed to help the Houston toad population through habitat expansion and enhancement. It has been more than 50 years since the toad was enlisted, so it’s become apparent that although the Houston toad is not extinct, it is still in extreme danger of becoming just that.  

 

The primary goal of the recovery plan is “To delist the Houston toad to non-threatened status as a result of:

  • Protecting its known populations and habitats

  • Locating and protecting additional populations and habitats

  • Determining its taxonomic with respect to other forms of Bufo

  • Introducing and establishing self-sustaining wild populations on sites of its historic range”.  

 

Since publishing this plan, almost all actions have effectively been carried out.  The species has sadly obviously not been removed from the endangered species list yet, but many organizations have contributed to preserving the toad population and helping to grow the already existing population.  We are so close to delisting the Houston toad, but it is necessary that we get YOUR help too (TPWD, 2017)!

 

From data of 194 species of vertebrates, there has been a species decline of 50% between 1970 and 1999 (Lannoo, 2005).

Lost Pines Habitat Conservation Plan

Facilitated by Bastrop County, this plan works help the Houston toads against human activities within the area (Lost Pines Habitat Conservation Plan Administrator, 2011).  This plan also funds private landowners to enhance the habitat in which they own in many different ways such as grassland and forest restoration, and activities to support or facilitate future prescribed fires (Bastrop County Texas, 2016).  The Lost Pines is a unique and distinct loblolly pine forest found in sandy soils of Bastrop County, A.K.A. the perfect habitat for the Houston toad (Texas Parks and Wildlife, 2000). It’s no wonder this conservation plan was put into action!

 It's Official

Don't Know the Difference between a Frog and Toad? 

Scientific taxonomy does not make the distinction between toads and frogs, but common culture has been able to determine the different characteristics of each.  Here’s what you need to know:

 

  • Toad

    • Skin is dry and bumpy

    • Lay eggs in long chains

    • Live mostly on land

    • Eyes do not bulge out

    • Skin is generally more brown-toned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Frog

    • Skin is moist and smooth

    • Lay eggs in clusters

    • Live mostly in water

    • Eyes bulge out

    • Skin can very in vibrant color

(McCarthy, 2015)

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