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Seminar: Long-term engagement to develop strategies to inform climate adaptation decisions in Puerto Rico

March 30, 2026

Wednesday, Apr. 15 at 1:00pm ET

Join us for a webinar on long-term SE CASC coqui frog work featuring Jaime Collazo, Mitch Eaton, and Adam Terando.

Abstract:

Since 2014, SE CASC has supported efforts to provide actionable information to conserve and recover endangered and at-risk amphibians in Puerto Rico. Frogs in the genus Eleutherodactylus, known as “coqui,” are valued culturally, but also play important roles in nutrient cycling and energy transfer in tropical ecosystems. Species are characterized by high endemism (15/18 are endemic), but are vulnerable to climate change due to their narrow range of tolerable environmental conditions and low mobility. We lay the foundation to let decision makers select when and where to implement two adaptation strategies: managed translocations and identifying climate-resilient habitats to help recover and prevent further species endangerment.

The project involved forging partnerships with four Universities and State and Federal agencies. Research involved climate modeling, laboratory (e.g., genetics, thermal performance) and field studies (e.g., population estimation, species distribution models, experimental translocations), and models to inform risk-managed translocations. Projections indicate that Puerto Rico will experience an average increase of 1.5°C (1.2-1.7), compounding increases of 2°C since the 1950s. Critical Maximum temperatures for six representative species ranged from 36.30°C to 42.10°C, above most projections by 2060. However, physiologic performance at sub-lethal temperatures could be affected, particularly for coastal species. We identified temperature and relative humidity levels where occupancy and abundance are highest, and for E. coqui, conditions where reproduction was most likely detected. Availability of selected plant species influenced abundance and distribution of the endangered Plains coqui (Llanero, E. juanariveroi). Population estimates ranged from 4,463 – 6,296/ha in Arecibo. Population estimates, and high genetic diversity, suggest the population could serve as a source for managed translocations. Recent efforts are focused on spatial conservation planning to select potential release sites that reduce risks posed by climate and other threats. Experimental translocations are planned for 2027. We are detailing plans and coordinating with partners to maximize success.

Register here

Speakers:

Jaime Collazo

Professor and former Assistant Unit Leader, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Research Unit, Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh. In recent years, his research has focused on the ecology of Eleutherodactylus amphibians in the US Caribbean and the implications of climate and landcover change on the formulation of adaptation strategies. His work entails population and occupancy dynamics, ascertaining thermal thresholds, experimental translocations, and determining factor limiting range expansion of the endangered E. juanariveroi.

Mitch Eaton

Mitchell Eaton is a Research Ecologist with the USGS Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center and an adjunct faculty member in Applied Ecology at NC State University. His research focuses on wildlife ecology and management, emphasizing quantitative modeling to understand resource dynamics and use of decision-theoretic methods to guide management decisions under uncertainty.

Adam Terando

Dr. Adam Terando is Director of Climate Action with Iberostar Hotels and Resorts and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Ecology at NCSU. His work spans research and application in the climate adaptation space. From the development of nature-based risk reduction solutions in the private sector, to new insights into climate constraints affecting prescribed fire managers and multi-generational conservation planning with tribal nations. Prior to his current position, Dr. Terando was a Research Ecologist with the US Geological Survey’s Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, also located at North Carolina State University.