Global Re-introduction Perspectives: 2016. Case-studies from around the globe

Author:

Lea Randall, Kris Kendell, Purnima Govindarajulu, Barb Houston, Penny Ohanjanian, and Axel Moehrenschlager

Publication:

Global Re-introduction Perspectives: 2016. Case-studies from around the globe 45-50; 2016

Abstract:

The northern leopard frog (NLF) (Lithobates pipiens) was once widespread and numerous across much of North America. Reductions in range, number of populations, and abundance have led to the designation of ‘Endangered’ for the Rocky Mountain population in British Columbia (BC) and ‘Special Concern’ for the Western Boreal/Prairie populations (COSEWIC, 2009). In BC, there is a single
extant population of NLFs located in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) (BCNLFRT, 2012). The NLF is ‘threatened’ in Alberta (AB), and remaining populations are isolated resulting in reduced gene flow and hampering re-colonization (AESRD, 2012). Habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced water quality and quantity, introduced fish, and disease have been implicated as possible causes of declines (COSEWIC, 2009).

Chytridiomycosis is thought to have been a primary cause for population declines in BC and may have contributed to declines in AB (BCNLFRT, 2012; AESRD, 2012). Reintroduction is identified as a key strategy to recover NLFs in both provinces (BCNLFRT, 2012; AESRD, 2012). Recovery efforts in BC are led by the BC NLF recovery team. Most of the AB re-introductions described were directed by the Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) led advisory group and by Parks Canada in collaboration with AEP in Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP). Additional re-introductions not covered in this document have occurred in AB between 2007 - 2015.