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

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

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.

Data gaps

Describe population dynamics. Assess the impacts of invasive fish and bullfrogs on Oregon spotted frogs. Explore the feasibility of reintroduction at historically occupied sites.

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.