Biologists will monitor the released frogs and hope the population will no longer need human intervention in the next few years. “They are part of the natural diversity of amphibians of the region,” Crespi said.īiologists want this release to boost the state’s population of northern leopard frogs. Washington’s frogs have unique genetic variations from the rest of the species’ range, said Erica Crespi, a Washington State University associate professor of biology. Northern leopard frogs have been endangered in Washington since 1999. The substance allows the frogs to be spotted at night. “We’re doing everything we can to help northern leopard frogs thrive again in the Pacific Northwest - and a big, healthy froglet has a much better chance of surviving in the wild than an egg or a tadpole.”īefore the frogs were released into the wild, they were injected with a tagging substance that glows under blacklights. “We’re at a critical point for this species,” said Shelly Pettit, who oversees the Oregon Zoo’s frog-rearing efforts. The frogs grew to tadpoles then to froglets that ate crickets. The department collected around 480 frog eggs this spring to be raised at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and the Oregon Zoo. SOURCE: Katie Cotterill/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
She said habitat improvements also will help other species that rely on the wetlands, such as other amphibians, waterfowl and deer.īefore the frogs were released into the wild, they were injected with a tagging substance that glows under blacklights. The vertebrae at the bottom end of the spine are fused into. A frogs pelvis can slide up and down its spine, which may help it jump. The rib-like structures you can see in the picture above are part of its spine. So, considering they’re not doing great here, that probably means there are other issues,” Grabowsky said. Frogs have skulls but dont have necks, so they cant turn, lift or lower their heads like people can. “Leopard frogs are a really good indicator of wetland health. The big concern is that the ponds where northern leopard frogs breed will become too shallow or disappear.Įmily Grabowsky, a biologist with the department, said the northern leopard frogs are actually doing well on the East Coast but not out West. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said drier conditions caused by climate change could lead to extinction for this population. The frogs also must weather climate change, which could change pond habitats and dry out areas the frogs rely on during the summer.
The frogs have lost habitat and faced competition and predation from invasive species, such as bullfrogs. Northern leopard frogs are rapidly disappearing in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. “You’re going the wrong way, man,” said Marc Heinzman, Northwest Trek zoological curator, as he pointed the wayward frog toward the wetland.
Northwest Trek Curator Marc Heinzman releases the northern leopard frogs into a temporary net pen.
0 kommentar(er)
