Oregon Spotted Frog

Photo Credit: Teal Waterstrat, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Overview

  • Species Common Name Oregon Spotted Frog
  • Species Scientific Name Rana pretiosa
  • Federal Listing Status Threatened
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Oregon spotted frogs use permanent ponds, marshes, and meandering streams through meadows for breeding and foraging, especially those with shallow water and a bottom layer of dead and decaying vegetation. They rely on springs and other sites with low, continuous water flow for overwintering.

Limiting factors

This species exhibits high fidelity to egg-laying sites. Some populations are isolated and vulnerable to inbreeding and extinction. Livestock grazing can remove cover along stream edges, allowing sediment and excessive aquatic vegetation to decrease habitat value. Predation and competition by invasive fish and bullfrogs and siltation of water sources are further threats.

Conservation actions

Protect vegetation buffers around occupied sites. Improve hydrology to benefit overwintering and larval habitat. Control bullfrogs and invasive fish at priority sites. Carefully manage livestock grazing at occupied montane wet meadows. Use results of feasibility studies to guide specific conservation actions and management decisions for reintroductions.

Key reference or plan

USFWS Species Profile for Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa)

Life History Traits