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Frogs Reborn: 1,000 Rescued From Brink of Extinction
21 Sep
Summary
- Over 1,000 endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs have been released.
- Species faced extinction due to habitat loss and disease.
- Aquarium staff meticulously recreate mountain stream conditions.
Biologists at the Aquarium of the Pacific are successfully reviving the critically endangered mountain yellow-legged frog population. In a program nearing its fifth year, more than 1,032 frogs have been raised and released into their natural mountainous streams.
The species, once abundant but reduced to fewer than 100 adults in Southern California by 2002, faced extinction from wildfire, disease, and habitat loss. The latest release included 653 frogs, with 394 head-started at the aquarium, marking its largest release to date.
Staff engineer water conditions to mimic mountain streams, maintaining temperatures between 52-60 degrees Fahrenheit with adjusted UV exposure. The aquarium's involvement began in 2021 after the Bobcat fire devastated frog habitats in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Collaborating with multiple agencies, the program carefully manages frog releases, ensuring genetic diversity by returning them to their native ranges. A primary focus is combating chytrid fungus, a deadly pathogen threatening amphibian populations globally.
Researchers are investigating genetic resistance to the fungus and exploring inoculation or microbial treatments to protect the frogs. Witnessing the released frogs return to the wild brings a unique sense of accomplishment and bittersweet joy to the conservation team.
