Support a New Conservation Center for the PR Sapo Concho

The Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy (PRCTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Sapo Concho) by establishing self-sustainable populations and implementing conservation actions that benefit humans and other native species. For over three decades, we’ve worked tirelessly to reintroduce this remarkable toad to its historic habitats, releasing over 830,000 tadpoles and toads while restoring vital ecosystems.

Our efforts involve collaboration with 17 zoos in the U.S., maintaining a breeding colony of over 1,000 Puerto Rican Crested Toads, bred six times annually under genetic management. We partner closely with the USFWS, PRDNER, local NGOs, universities, and private individuals to enhance education, research, and conservation initiatives. Despite our successes, natural threats persist, and increased capacity in Puerto Rico is critical to expand habitat restoration and offspring release efforts.

To achieve this, we’re thrilled to announce the construction of a new research and breeding facility in Puerto Rico, set to begin in 2025. This center will serve as a hub for breeding, research, and conservation, allowing us to accelerate progress toward saving the Sapo Concho. While we’ve secured a grant for initial construction, additional funding is needed for staffing, equipment, and operational costs for the next 10 years.

This mission has gained exciting attention recently, thanks to Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. His latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos, is a heartfelt homage to Puerto Rico’s history and resilience. With collaboration from Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the album’s short film highlights Puerto Rico’s history and its unique wildlife—bringing the Sapo Concho into the spotlight.

Additionally, thanks to the incredible work of Mr. Quique Rivera from Acho Studio, the artists behind the Sapo Concho’s representation on Bad Bunny’s album, we were connected with the $Concho cryptocurrency team—fondly referred to as "Hispanic Pepe" or "Sapo Conchito"—and have already raised over $15,000 to date, with a goal of $100,000 to support conservation efforts. The $Concho project embodies a shared commitment to protecting the Sapo Concho and its habitat while empowering Puerto Ricans to participate in these vital initiatives.

Your contributions will directly support the development of the new facility, ensuring a brighter future for the Sapo Concho and fostering greater involvement in conservation efforts. Join us in making a lasting impact on this incredible species and its home!

https://x.com/SapoConchito

https://crestedtoad.org/