Alberta’s endangered northern leopard frog is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to successful provincial initiatives aimed at boosting its population. The species, which has been classified as threatened in Alberta since 2004, faced a significant decline in the late 20th century, prompting conservation efforts to safeguard its survival.
Brett Boukall, a wildlife biologist specializing in at-risk species, highlighted the success of reintroduction strategies involving the translocation of frogs and eggs to establish new populations. These efforts have led to a wider distribution and an increase in the number of self-sustaining frog populations across the southern region of the province.
Notable achievements include the successful reintroduction of northern leopard frogs at various sites such as Battle River, Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, Grainger, and Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park. Boukall emphasized the effectiveness of translocating eggs in establishing new frog populations within their original habitat range.
With the recent success of reintroduction programs and the presence of existing frog populations in Alberta, the need for further introductions is currently unnecessary. Over the past decade, a total of 163,880 tadpoles were introduced as part of the translocation program, contributing to the growing sustainability and distribution of northern leopard frogs in the province.
While the exact cause of the frog’s decline remains uncertain, experts like Cynthia Paszkowski, an ecology professor emeritus at the University of Alberta, suggest potential factors such as habitat destruction, disease, and environmental contaminants. Paszkowski highlighted the importance of suitable habitats in facilitating successful frog reintroductions within their historical range.
In Alberta, where eight frog species, including the northern leopard frog, are found, the focus on habitat preservation and conservation efforts continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term survival of these amphibian species.