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Northern leopard frog

The Northern Leopard Frog is a species of special concern, vital to colorado’s ecosystems

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Northern Leopard Frog

Range - locally uncommon

(Front Range of Colorado)

Spotted in Spottle Wood on 5/10

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Tadpole

Egg Mass

We will be getting egg mass from two different sites to help with biodiversity and raising them in these tanks at the Innovation Center.

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Spring Brook North Location, Boulder County

Tanks and Equipment are labelled Blue

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Spottle Wood Creek, Fort Collins, CO

Tanks and Equipment are all labelled in RED

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Why are they a species of concern?

Invasive Species (Bullfrogs)

Habitat Destruction

Diseases such as Chytrid Fungus and Ranavirus

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-Learning From Experts-

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Chytrid Fungus

Affects amphibians
Effects epidermis (skin) by eating at the keratin
Damages skin function of breathing and H2O to electrolyte balance

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Ranavirus

Affects amphibians, reptiles, fish at all stages of life
Transfers through infected tissues, ingestion, and contact with contaminated surfaces
Deaths result from severe cellular and organ necrosis

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The significance of this issue

Chytrid fungus and Ranavirus have been linked to the decline or extinction of more than 200 frog species around the world

Northern Leopard Frogs have recently become endangered and continue to decline due to a multitude of issues, with the most prominent being diseases like Chytrid fungus and Ranavirus. The extreme growth and spread of chytrid fungus and rana-virus has become a threat to biodiversity within our community since many species have not become resistant to it due to the mortalities affecting biodiversity.

The two diseases have been linked to the decline or extinction of more than 200 frog species around the world and have been attributed to more than 80% of decline in some frog populations. We find this issue extremely important as the Northern Leopard Frog is an important species both in itself and as an indicator species As it tells us environmental conditions like water quality; which were testing.

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Biosecurity minimizes introductions/spread of pathogens and reduces stress conditions.

Separate labels for both groups
Restrict Access
Washing hands
Using a new pair of gloves
Wearing a new pair of boot covers
Proper cleaning and disinfection
Removing dead tadpoles daily

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Posters:

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Tank Set-Up and Design - Lights, Filters and Air Flow

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Finances & Budget (supplies) and Engineering Vertical Hydroponics (food)

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Eggs arriving at the Innovation Center on April 14, 2023

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Eggs Growing to Tadpoles over one week

Tank water Temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit

Day 1

Day 3

Day 6

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Tank Care: Water Quality, Cleaning, Feeding

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Tank Care: Water Quality, Cleaning, Feeding

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Field Data

Monitoring natural habitats and water quality

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Water Quality Data Includes: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and we collect samples for metals testing

Rooney Pond, North St. Vrain River, Lyons CO

Webster Pond, St. Vrain River, Longmont CO

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pH can affect what can live in the water

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Hepp Pond, St. Vrain River,

Hygiene, Colorado

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Our field equipment…

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Thank you for your support with not spreading fungus and disease!