Using Demography to Evaluate Reintroductions for Conservation of the Endangered Frog, Rana sierrae, in Streams

Brown, Cathy; Keung, Neil C.; Dillingham, Colin P.; Mussulman, Sarah; Bushell, Jessie; Sollmann, Rahel; Todd, Brian D.; Lawler, Sharon P.

doi:10.1655/0018-0831-76.4.383

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…Reintroduction of captive-bred individuals has also been identified as a key conservation tool for the recovery of R. sierrae (MYLF ITT, 2018). For that closely-related species, a recent study (Brown et al, 2020) suggested that the chances of success can be increased by releasing adults in the wild, which have much higher chance of survival, rather than juveniles. Our results provide further insights that can help inform a sound reintroduction strategy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Chambert¹,

Backlin

Gallegos

et al. 2022

Conservat Sci and Prac

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The endangered mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) has been reduced to <10 isolated populations in the wild. Due to frequent catastrophic events (floods, droughts, wildfires), the recent dynamics of these populations have been erratic, making the future of the species highly uncertain. In 2018, a recovery plan was developed to improve the species status by reducing the impacts of various threats (predation, disease, habitat destruction), as well as reinforcing wild populations through the reintroduction of captive-bred frogs.The short-term goal stated in this plan was to reach a minimum of 20 populations of 50 adults each (hereafter, the 20/50 target), before the species can be considered for downlisting from the U.S. Endangered Species Act. However, there is no guarantee that this 20/50 target will be sufficient to ensure the species persistence in the long run. Using 19 years of mark-recapture data, we estimated populations' demographic trends and assessed the viability of R. muscosa from a starting state of 20 populations of 50 adults each (i.e., the downlisting criteria). Our results reveal that, from this 20/50 state, the species has high chances of persistence only at a short time horizon (50 years). Moreover, >80% of populations would be extinct 50 years later. Therefore, the species will not be able to persist without implementation of the reintroduction program. We found that it is more important to increase the number of suitable sites occupied by R. muscosa than to simply reinforce or augment existing populations. Expanding the current distribution by establishing new populations at suitable sites, even after the "20 populations" mark has been reached, would increase the likelihood of the species' persistence in the longer term.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A major risk would be to release frogs in suboptimal habitat. The study of Brown et al (2020) on R. sierrae suggests that intermittent streams are more suitable than perennial streams because they are less likely to host nonnative predatory trout. This provides useful guidance for the choice of new release sites.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Chambert¹,

Backlin

Gallegos

et al. 2022

Conservat Sci and Prac

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Untangling multi‐scale habitat relationships of an endangered frog in streams to inform reintroduction programs

et al. 2021

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Successful reintroductions of endangered species rely on comprehensive knowledge of habitat requirements across spatial and temporal scales. To inform designs of reintroduction programs, we studied habitat selection of the federally endangered Sierra Nevada yellow‐legged frog (Rana sierrae) in streams in its northern range. We quantified multi‐scale habitat use across diverse streams, habitat types within streams, and seasonal flows. In one intermittent stream, we compared habitat selection between wild and captive‐reared frogs that were released as a population augmentation. We analyzed habitat selection of seasonal habitat unit types (e.g., pool, riffle, cascades) and dimensions, and microhabitat hydrology and cover. R. sierrae appeared able to meet its ecological requirements in a variety of habitats. Study streams ranged from third‐order perennial streams to first‐order intermittent headwater creeks. Perennial streams retained a variety of habitats across flows whereas intermittent streams dried to just a few pools. Frogs used all seasonal habitat types but selected deeper pools most often relative to available habitats in intermittent streams and selected riffles or showed no preference in perennial streams. Frogs avoided fast deep‐water microhabitats, but, otherwise, preferred flowing water or deeper water without flow. Our results suggest that diverse streams can be considered candidates for reintroductions. Within intermittent streams, deeper perennial pools may provide more stable release sites, whereas non‐pool habitats may be safer in perennial streams with fish. Importantly, captive‐reared frogs selected similar habitats as wild frogs, suggesting that captivity does not alter habitat selection behaviors post‐release and that reintroduction designs for this species can be based on wild frog preferences. By improving our understanding of how habitat use varies among different types of streams and differs seasonally in response to changing habitat conditions, our results inform the design of effective reintroduction programs for frogs in streams.

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Overwinter behavior, movement, and survival in a recently reintroduced, endangered amphibian, Rana muscosa

Hammond

Curtis

Jacobs

et al. 2021

Journal for Nature Conservation

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Using Demography to Evaluate Reintroductions for Conservation of the Endangered Frog, Rana sierrae, in Streams

Cited by 3 publications

References 57 publications

Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Untangling multi‐scale habitat relationships of an endangered frog in streams to inform reintroduction programs

Overwinter behavior, movement, and survival in a recently reintroduced, endangered amphibian, Rana muscosa

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