Northern Red-legged Frog

Northern Red-legged Frog Photo Credit: Martyne Reesman, ODFW

Overview

  • Species Common Name Northern Red-legged Frog
  • Species Scientific Name Rana aurora
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Northern red-legged frogs are typically associated with shallow-water ponds and wetlands with emergent vegetation. For breeding, they require forested sites with exposed (sunny), still-water habitat. Breeding habitat may be seasonal or permanent, provided the water persists at least 5 months in duration. Adults and juveniles also use moist riparian and upland forests.

Limiting factors

Loss of egg-laying habitat is widely cited as a key limiting factor, though impacts to active-season habitat may have more direct effects on populations. Hydrologic modifications, fragmentation by roads, suburban development, and other land use changes are among these impacts. Predation and competition by invasive fish and bullfrogs present further threats.

Conservation actions

Revise wetland hydroperiod requirements for mitigation and other created wetlands in occupied areas to reduce 'population sinks'. Create upland buffer and aquatic habitat retention requirements for housing developments to minimize local extirpations in the Willamette Valley. Identify regionally important sites to the species and maintain connectivity between them. Maintain wetland habitat with emergent plants and adjacent forest. Address barriers and/or culverts at key road crossings to reduce mortality of lowland (Willamette Valley and Coast Range) frogs. Control bullfrogs and invasive fish at priority sites.

Life History Traits