THE TAKEAWAY
CALIFORNIA – A critically endangered frog species is making a comeback after hundreds were released into its native habitat on the West Coast.
Members of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced the release of 653 southern mountain yellow-legged frogs during the summer.
This marks the largest release of the species so far.
The species is a medium-sized frog with two distinct groups: the southern distinct population, which became endangered in 2002, and the northern distinct population, which became endangered in 2013.
The two populations are separated by around 140 miles of unsuitable land, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The biggest threats to the species are:
According to officials, these frogs are part of a larger effort to rebuild populations in the San Gabriel Mountains, where the species faces threats from wildfires, habitat loss, drought, disease, and non-native predators.
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These population efforts date back to raising this species as tadpoles and froglets in captivity before carefully choosing a habitat for release.
Researchers can study the frogs in their natural habitat to better understand how they survive, grow, and reproduce over time.
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Since the latest release this summer, more than 1,000 yellow-legged frogs have been released into their ideal natural habitat, with hopes that these creatures can rebuild a self-sustaining population.
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