Portland, United States - July 01, 2024

A significant effort at the Oregon Zoo is set to boost the population of endangered northern leopard frogs with the upcoming release of a hundred tadpoles into the wild. These tadpoles, nurtured from eggs earlier this spring by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, are nearing maturity under the care of zoo experts.

Jen Osburn Eliot, overseeing the zoo’s Great Northwest area, expressed optimism about the project: "Their development is right on track so far. Soon they’ll be frogs, ready to hop back to the wild."

Once thriving across North America, northern leopard frogs now face rapid decline in their native ranges across Washington, Oregon, and western Canada. The species has been endangered in Washington since 1999.

"The eggs are brought to the zoo to enhance their survival chances," explained Osburn Eliot. "By nurturing them through their vulnerable stages, we increase their likelihood of reaching adulthood."

Earlier this year, over 50 zoo-reared tadpoles were released at the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge in Washington. The remaining hundred will complete their transformation into frogs before being reintroduced to the wild next month.

"Every tadpole is crucial," emphasized Osburn Eliot. "With only one known population left in Washington, we're committed to aiding their recovery."

The decline of northern leopard frogs in the Pacific Northwest is attributed to habitat loss, disease, pollution, climate change, and competition from non-native species. Collaborative efforts involving the zoo, WDFW, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Washington State University aim to bolster their numbers in the region.

Northern leopard frogs play a vital role as a foundation species in natural ecosystems, indicating water quality and serving as both predator and prey. They also inspire wildlife enthusiasts globally.

Funding for the reintroduction program comes from a state wildlife grant awarded to WDFW by the USFWS’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program, highlighting the collaborative efforts aimed at preserving this iconic species.