ESR

Endangered Species Research

ESR is a gold Open Access research journal on all endangered forms of life on Earth, the threats faced by species and their habitats, and the necessary steps that must be undertaken to ensure their conservation.

** ESR is looking for applications from prospective Editors. More... **

Online: ISSN 1613-4796

Print: ISSN 1863-5407

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr

Journal contents
Endang Species Res

Integrating ensemble habitat suitability models to guide conservation strategies for the endangered Houston toad Anaxyrus houstonensis

ABSTRACT: The Houston Toad Anaxyrus houstonensis, an amphibian endemic to eastern-central Texas, was one of the first amphibians to be listed as federally endangered in the United States. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, the species continues to face declining populations from habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, along with compounding effects of climate change and increased drought severity. This study aimed to develop robust habitat suitability models for A. houstonensis using ensemble habitat suitability modeling (EHSM) to inform conservation strategies. We generated multiple EHSMs to identify suitable habitats, potential survey sites, and reintroduction areas, integrating occurrence data from various sources with environmental and climatic variables. We also conducted connectivity modeling to highlight essential habitat corridors that could enhance population dispersal and interconnectivity. Our models indicate that deep sandy soils, forest cover, and maximum precipitation in March are critical factors associated with use by A. houstonensis, reinforcing prior understanding of A. houstonensis habitat needs. Our model projections showed there has been a loss of 23% of the top-quality habitat between 2004 and 2021. However, the lack of connectivity among the core patches suggests that restoring the historical species connectivity is an unlikely event, and that we should focus on increasing connectivity within the large core patches. These findings provide crucial guidance for targeted habitat conservation, restoration efforts, and land management practices. Moving forward, these models will be instrumental in refining recovery plans, engaging stakeholders, and identifying target areas for priority conservation actions, outlined in the 2022 A. houstonensis recovery plan.

KEYWORDS

Danielle Walkup (Corresponding Author)

  • Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 1001 Holleman Drive East, College Station, TX, USA, 77840
dkwalkup@tamu.edu

Brandon Bowers (Co-author)

  • Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 1001 Holleman Drive East, College Station, TX, USA, 77840
brandonbowers@tamu.edu

Toby Hibbitts (Co-author)

  • Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, 77843
toby.hibbitts@ag.tamu.edu

Paul Crump (Co-author)

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX, USA, 78744
paul.crump@tpwd.texas.gov

A. Michelle Lawing (Co-author)

  • Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA, 77843
anna.lawing@ag.tamu.edu

Wade Ryberg (Co-author)

  • Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 1001 Holleman Drive East, College Station, TX, USA, 77840
waryberg@tamu.edu

Handling Editor:
Michael Mahony, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia

Reviewers:
3 anonymous referees