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| Chiricahua Leopard Frog |
A truly remarkable find. At first I thought it was too good to be true. Turns out that the best gift on the day of my exploration in the canyons of the Huachuca mountains would lead me to the threatened and endangered Chiricahua Leopard Frog.
The Chiricahua leopard frog is a medium-to-large sized frog with a stocky body that can grow up to 4.3 inches long. The frog is often green and has a leopard-like patterning, small pale raised spots on the rear thighs, and a raised fold of skin running down each side of the back. The Chiricahua leopard frog was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a threatened species on June 13, 2002. When the Service listed the Chiricahua leopard frog in 2002, the Ramsey Canyon leopard frog, found on the eastern slopes of the Huachuca Mountains in Cochise County, was thought to be a unique species. Scientists have since determined that the Ramsey Canyon leopard frog is taxonomically the Chiricahua leopard frog. This has since happened per a chat I had with several of the local park service employees. The Ramsey Canyon leopard frog is now considered a Chiricahua leopard frog. And yet when I look between images, they strike me as different frogs....but apparently not. Interesting.
An aggressive recovery program is underway in the U.S. that is showing considerable results on the ground. The reestablishment of populations, creation of refugial populations, and enhancement and development of habitat have helped stabilize or improve the status of the species in some areas. I have been years here in Arizona and never seen one.....until my hike. I'm hoping that they make a strong comeback once again. Large tracts of Arizona are now off limits to any development and the destruction of land by cattle ranchers from the past 100 hundred years is now improving thanks to conservation efforts. Over the past 10 years, Southern Arizona has made great strides to reclaim the natural areas destroyed by man.....and only now are we seeing the return of the Jaguar and other endangered creatures like the Chiricahua frog. We still have a ways to go, but progress is being made and I am witness to it every year. More tomorrow....
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What a find!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find more of them in the near future.
Great find! - super images! - good-looking frog!
ReplyDeletethat's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteA positive story you tell there Chris. It's a lovely looking beast and would be such a shame to lose it. You got some nice shots. We have so few amphibians here in the UK it's quite an occasion to see one too.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cutie. If you kiss it does it turn into a princess?
ReplyDeleteWow, you are remarkable, catching the Chiricahua Leopard Frog, superb.
ReplyDeleteGoodness that's quite a big size for a frog Chris, I'm not really partial to them but this one does look a little more appealing than the Cane Toad that is a huge problem here in Australia. It was introduced to help with pests and has become the biggest problem pest of all. It's highly poisonous, we have been desperately trying to keep it out of WA but I believe a few have reached our border up towards Broome.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty frog! It makes me think of the leopard geckos too, and how many things in nature take on that look!!! Pretty cool...so glad you had the experience of finding this guy!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful frog. So green and big too. I like frogs and see them a lot around here. I am glad people are endeavoring to save this one and bring it back from its endangered status. It's sad when species get stamped out and we need our amphibians. Now if we could just stamp out ticks, mosquitoes, and voles I'd be happy. What a lucky find indeed!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! Phenomenal catch
ReplyDeleteThe way it's blending into the background, I'm amazed you noticed it! It's wonderful to hear their numbers are increasing, good news for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI love frogs! Great siting!
ReplyDeletecute big guy.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that the destruction has to go so far before they rein it in. But at least they have done so, and wildlife is returning.
ReplyDeleteGreat find.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
oh my..I love that frog....he's gorgeous
ReplyDeletewhat a find Chris
I am so happy that conservation is happening
for the animals....or they would be gone gone gone
A little milk snake crossed my path in galena this past week
what a thrill to see a snake......
We don't have pretty frogs like that around here (at least I've never seen them). We just have brown toads and small green tree frogs.
ReplyDeleteLooks like he was sitting nicely for you to take his picture. He is kind of a cute looking green frog.
ReplyDeleteCousin to my hero Kermie... uRibbbitt
ReplyDeleteTo wspaniale, że wracają zwierzęta na miejsca zniszczone przez człowieka. Żabka jest urocza, lubię zresztą żabki. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that they return the animals to the place destroyed by man. Frog is adorable, I like frogs anyway. Yours.
Awesome! We have Leopard frogs, too but ours look different. More brown, less green. I heart frogs!!
ReplyDeleteI can't say I'm a real fan of frogs but this is a cool looking one!
ReplyDeleteGood sighting, he is a handsome dude!
ReplyDeleteexcellent! Those are really great pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find and a lovely frog. Glad to hear of the recovery programme too :) Its nice too to hear of the conservation efforts in Arizona.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting little fellow. Does he give "leopard spot" warts? :) ta da da...sorry.
ReplyDeleteGreat close-ups!
ReplyDeleteI like the 3rd one!
xoxo, Juliana
[pjhappies.blogspot.com]
Now I know where Ramsey Canyon is. We have friends (met through blogging) who live in Cochise County and also I am very interested in the Cochise Stronghold. I know we will be getting down that way before long. I want to check out Ramsey Canyon for myself. Love this wonderful frog, and am so glad he hasn't disappeared!
ReplyDelete