The Herpetological Research Team is using acoustic surveys and eDNA methods to evaluate the progress of invasive bullfrog removal and Oregon spotted frog recovery.
Bullfrogs negatively affect many native species including the Oregon spotted frog. Oregon spotted frogs have declined markedly and are now listed as Threatened across their range. Losses include key genetic units and populations such as in Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where Oregon spotted frogs counts are less than 20 percent of what they were 20 years ago. In 2019, Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge began efforts to eradicate bullfrogs from the Glenwood Valley in Washington State. The project is focused on eradicating invaders in areas where removal is likely to benefit a key native population of Oregon spotted frogs. The strategic eradication plan identifies needs for monitoring bullfrog removal and Oregon spotted frog responses, as well as developing an early detection-rapid response approach (EDRR). Information on surveillance and removal will enable new colonist detection and efficient responses where bullfrogs expand on DOI-partner lands in western Washington and central Oregon. The USGS is assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with this eradication effort by using environmental DNA (eDNA) and acoustic sampling to evaluate the progress of bullfrog eradication, inform adaptive removals, and assess Oregon spotted frog recovery.
We are also partnering with federal natural resource agencies, state partners, and private landowners to monitor the recovery of an Oregon spotted frog population during and after removal of American bullfrogs in Klamath County, Oregon. Our team is collecting pre- and post-removal data on abundance, distribution, and habitat use by Oregon spotted frogs and bullfrogs in wetlands near Fort Klamath. This will help researchers and managers to determine if bullfrog removal is benefitting Oregon spotted frog populations.
Acoustic Surveys to Inform Invasive American Bullfrog Removal Efforts
American Bullfrog Invasion and Impacts on Native Species in the Pacific Northwest
Oregon Spotted Frog
Herpetological Research Team (FRESC)
- Overview
The Herpetological Research Team is using acoustic surveys and eDNA methods to evaluate the progress of invasive bullfrog removal and Oregon spotted frog recovery.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. Visit Media to see details.Adult female Oregon spotted frog egg in Deschutes County, Oregon. Bullfrogs negatively affect many native species including the Oregon spotted frog. Oregon spotted frogs have declined markedly and are now listed as Threatened across their range. Losses include key genetic units and populations such as in Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where Oregon spotted frogs counts are less than 20 percent of what they were 20 years ago. In 2019, Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge began efforts to eradicate bullfrogs from the Glenwood Valley in Washington State. The project is focused on eradicating invaders in areas where removal is likely to benefit a key native population of Oregon spotted frogs. The strategic eradication plan identifies needs for monitoring bullfrog removal and Oregon spotted frog responses, as well as developing an early detection-rapid response approach (EDRR). Information on surveillance and removal will enable new colonist detection and efficient responses where bullfrogs expand on DOI-partner lands in western Washington and central Oregon. The USGS is assisting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with this eradication effort by using environmental DNA (eDNA) and acoustic sampling to evaluate the progress of bullfrog eradication, inform adaptive removals, and assess Oregon spotted frog recovery.
We are also partnering with federal natural resource agencies, state partners, and private landowners to monitor the recovery of an Oregon spotted frog population during and after removal of American bullfrogs in Klamath County, Oregon. Our team is collecting pre- and post-removal data on abundance, distribution, and habitat use by Oregon spotted frogs and bullfrogs in wetlands near Fort Klamath. This will help researchers and managers to determine if bullfrog removal is benefitting Oregon spotted frog populations.
- Science
Acoustic Surveys to Inform Invasive American Bullfrog Removal Efforts
The Herpetological Research Team is recording audio in areas where American bullfrogs have invaded to learn more about where and when they are breeding and inform managers tasked with controlling their spread.American Bullfrog Invasion and Impacts on Native Species in the Pacific Northwest
The Herpetological Research Team at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center uses innovative tools to investigate the invasion and spread of American bullfrogs in Washington and Oregon and understand how bullfrogs are interacting with native amphibians.Oregon Spotted Frog
The Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) is a medium-sized anuran native to the northwestern United States. Body coloration ranges from brown or tan to brick red, usually overlaid with dark, ragged spots. Oregon spotted frogs can be distinguished from other native species by their relatively short hind legs, orange or red wash of color on underside of abdomen and legs, and upturned chartreuse eyes...Herpetological Research Team (FRESC)
The Herpetological Research Team focuses on issues related to conservation and management of amphibians and other aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Among our current studies are effects of invasive species, disease, and land use change on the dynamics of amphibian communities to inform conservation and management decision making.