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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Suriname toad

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Native Range: South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela (AmphibiaWeb, 2012).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Completely aquatic, found in sluggish rivers and canals with muddy bottoms (AmphibiaWeb, 2012).

This frog is entirely aquatic. Females lay approximately 100 eggs. After the male fertilizes the eggs, he attaches them to the female’s back and her skin grows around the eggs. Direct development (meaning they hatch as miniature frogs without going through a tadpole stage) occurs while on the female’s back and the young emerge after 3 to 4 months (Rabb and Snedigar 1960; Rabb and Rabb, 1963).

Pipa pipa is omnivorous and eats worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fishes. It possessed long fingers, which are used to search for food. Once found, the fingers are used to stuff the food into its mouth (Wandzel, 1999).

Means of Introduction: Pet release.

Status: The status is unknown in Puerto Rico.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. 2012. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. Available from: http://amphibiaweb.org/. Accessed 1/1-13/2012.

Rabb, G. and M. Rabb. 1963. Additonal observations on breeding behavior of the Surinam Toad, Pipa pipa. Copeia (4):636-642.

Rabb, G. and R. Snedigar. 1960. Observations on breeding and development of the Surinam Toad, Pipa pipa. Copeia (1):40-44.

Wandzel, K. 1999. “Pipa pipa”. Animal Diversity Web. Available from:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Pipa_pipa/ Accessed 3/5/2013.

Author: Fuller, P.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.