The northern leopard frog ( Rana pipiens Schreber, 1782) underwent a large decline in the western portion of its range and only occurs in 20% of historically occupied sites in Alberta. Its absence may reflect an inability to disperse to these sites because of habitat fragmentation, and human-mediated translocation has been proposed. In this study, we used three criteria to examine the genetic suitability of potential translocation sources: diversity, similarity to area of reintroduction, and evolutionary history. We genotyped 187 samples and sequenced 812 bp of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 gene from 14 Canadian northern leopard frog populations. Nuclear and mitochondrial diversity were highest in Manitoba and western Ontario and declined westward. There was no significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance, suggesting that genetic drift is a driving force affecting the genetic relationships between populations. Regions separated by more than ~50 km were quite differentiated. Therefore, source populations similar to the original inhabitants of an area for reintroduction may be uncommon. Mitochondrial analyses revealed that all populations share a close evolutionary history, belonging to the western haplotype group. While genetic criteria support the use of Manitoba and Ontario as sources, the desirability of environmental similarity to the reintroduction site suggests that ecologically exchangeable Alberta populations should also be considered.

As cities adopt mandates to protect, maintain and restore urban biodiversity, the need for urban ecology studies grows. Species-specific information on the effects of urbanization is often a limiting factor in designing and implementing effective biodiversity strategies. In suburban and exurban areas, amphibians play an important social-ecological role between people and their environment and contribute to ecosystem health. Amphibians are vulnerable to threats and imbalances in the aquatic and terrestrial environment due to a biphasic lifestyle, making them excellent indicators of local environmental health. We developed a citizen science program to systematically monitor amphibians in a large city in Alberta, Canada, where 90% of pre-settlement wetlands have been removed and human activities continue to degrade, alter, and/or fragment remaining amphibian habitats. We demonstrate successes and challenges of using publicly collected data in biodiversity monitoring. Through amphibian monitoring, we show how a citizen science program improved ecological knowledge, engaged the public in urban biodiversity monitoring and improved urban design and planning for biodiversity. We outline lessons learned to inform citizen science program design, including the importance of early engagement of decision makers, quality control assessment, assessing tensions in program design for data and public engagement goals, and incorporating conservation messaging into programming.

SRD) for their enthusiasm, assistance and support through the 2000/2001 field season. Their efforts and assistance truly enhanced this project. I would also like to extend a sincere thank-you to the following individuals for their muchappreciated contribution of volunteer time and dedication to the reintroduction project:

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