Recovery Plan Ad Hoc Report results

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Plan Title Plan Stage Plan Lead Region (FWS) Plan Lead Office (FWS) Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Action Priority Action Number Action Description Action Status Estimated Initiation Date Estimated Completion Date Action Lead Agencies Responsible Parties Work Types Labor Types Comments Implementation Activity Number Implementation Activity Description Implementation Activity Status Implementation Activity Estimated Initiation Date Implementation Activity Estimated Completion Date Implementation Activity Labor Types Implementation Activity Work Types Implementation Activity Responsible Parties Implementation Activity Comments Implementation Activity Species
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 1.3 Research the historical and current impact of Bd and current potential treatments for southern Rana muscosa Ongoing Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Management Techniques Species Expert The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is in the third year of a five-year study to evaluate Bd effects and potential management strategies for mountain yellow-legged frogs.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 1.4 Investigate the cutaneous microbial community structure on wild and captive individuals. Evaluate utility of bioaugmentation as a potential tool to prevent infections on released individuals and to treat wild individuals Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Other Information Species Expert The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is in the third year of a five-year study focused on addressing this action item.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 1.6 Investigate threats that may impact captive populations (Bd treatment and water quality) Ongoing Current Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Santa Ana Zoo Management: Propagation Species Expert There are six facilities that hold captive mountain yellow-legged frogs and have expertise in managing Bd and water quality, including the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo at Omaha, UCLA, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, and Santa Ana Zoo.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 1.8 Determine metrics for evaluating effectiveness of translocations Not Started San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 3.5 Reduce impacts related to wildfire suppression activities by avoiding certain activities to the extent feasible, including limiting use of fire retardants in proximity to occupied habitat and water drafting from occupied habitat Ongoing Current U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service Management: Land Use Internal Technical Assistance The U.S. Forest Service avoids aerial application of fire retardant in or near mountain yellow-legged frog occupied and designated critical habitat, to the extent feasible. They have mapped these areas and distributed the maps to applicators.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 4.1 Prioritize areas for nonnative predator removal according to southern Rana muscosa risk and areas needed to reestablish connectivity and maintain self-sustaining metapopulations. Some areas for potential nonnative predator removal may include Big Rock Creek, Little Rock Creek, and Tahquitz Canyon. Also, avoid trout stocking in such areas Ongoing Current California Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Management: Other Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Trout removal at Little Rock Creek occurred prior to completion of the recovery plan, but may be expanded in the future. Trout removal occurred at Tahquitz Canyon in the past and may no longer be necessary. Further trout removal at Big Rock Creek is pending enhancement of an existing manmade barrier. Trout removal occurred at Big Rock Creek in the past, but trout have reoccupied the removal area. U.S. Geological Survey observed trout jumping over the manmade barrier. Trout stocking does not occur near mountain yellow-legged frog occupied habitat. U.S. Geological Survey did an assessment of barriers in the Cooper Canyon area for potential expansion of trout removal efforts there.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 4.2 Implement nonnative predator removal where necessary to restore habitat or protect southern Rana muscosa Partially Complete California Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Management: Other Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Trout removal at Little Rock Creek occurred prior to completion of the recovery plan, but may be expanded in the future. Trout removal occurred at Tahquitz Canyon in the past and may no longer be necessary. Further trout removal at Big Rock Creek is pending enhancement of an existing manmade barrier. Trout removal occurred at Big Rock Creek in the past, but trout have reoccupied the removal area. U.S. Geological Survey observed trout jumping over the manmade barrier.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 4.3 Continue barrier construction and maintenance where feasible to expand nonnative predator removal efforts and monitor for effectiveness of barriers Partially Complete U.S. Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Management: Other Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance There is funding available for enhancement of a manmade barrier at Big Rock Creek. However, enhancement is delayed due to designation of the area as federal wilderness.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 4.4 Based on results of Bd research (Recovery Activity 1.3), implement actions to better understand the current impacts to southern Rana muscosa from disease Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Management: Disease Control, Research: Disease Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance In 2023, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance treated wild mountain yellow-legged frogs at Bluff Lake for Bd to evaluate such treatment as a recovery measure.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 4.5 Based on information from Recovery Activity 4.4, develop and implement management that will minimize potential disease impacts Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected In 2023, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance treated wild mountain yellow-legged frogs at Bluff Lake for Bd to evaluate such treatment as a recovery measure.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 5.1 If a potential exposure to contaminants occurs (for example, through fire suppression or maintenance of cannabis plantations in occupied areas), test waterways for specific components of contaminants immediately. Identify contingency plans for such exposures, including removal from the wild or translocation of exposed individuals, habitat restoration, or long-term monitoring of contamination Partially Complete U.S. Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Management Species Expert U.S. Geological Survey conducted sampling for contaminants at Little Rock Creek, Fuller Mill Creek, and Bear Creek in 2021. No contaminants were identified. The U.S. Forest Service monitored some mountain yellow-legged frog occupied and designated critical habitat for contaminants associated with cannabis plantations. The U.S. Forest Service has proposed to conduct monitoring if aerial application of fire retardant occurs near occupied and designated critical habitat. There are captive facilities available to hold mountain yellow-legged frogs removed from the wild in emergencies.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.1 Assess and select areas within the historical range for reestablishment or augmentation. To guide decision-making when choosing future receiver sites, incorporate the following information: extinction probabilities of populations at potential receiver sites, abundance and genetic representation of source and receiver populations, threats at each receiver site, abundance of each lifestage to be utilized for augmentation or reestablishment, reestablishment of metapopulation dynamics, and land management issues Ongoing Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Management: Other, Research: Other Information Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance Reestablishment and augmentation efforts led by the U.S. Geological Survey and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have been ongoing. Since completion of the recovery plan, reestablishment efforts have occurred at some new sites including Bluff Lake/Siberia Creek, Stone Creek, Black Mountain Creek, Dorr Creek, Bear Creek, Alder Gulch, Cooper Canyon tributary, and Holcomb Canyon and population augmentation has occurred at City Creek, Dark Canyon/Fuller Mill Creek, Tahquitz/Willow creeks, Vincent Gulch, Prairie Fork tributary, and Devil's Canyon. Additional sites have been identified. We seem to have enough sites identified to meet the recovery goals for two of the three management units (i.e., San Gabriel and San Bernardino), assuming mountain yellow-legged frogs successfully reestablish at the sites.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.4 Continue captive propagation efforts to provide animals for release to augment or reestablish populations where necessary throughout the range Ongoing Current Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Santa Ana Zoo Management: Reintroduction, Research: Propagation Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance As mentioned above, there are now six facilities holding and/or breeding mountain yellow-legged frogs for reestablishment efforts.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.5.1 Augment existing populations to prevent extinction, and increase abundance or genetic diversity Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Santa Ana Zoo Management: General Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance Population augmentation has occurred at City Creek, Dark Canyon/Fuller Mill Creek, Tahquitz/Willow creeks, Vincent Gulch, Prairie Fork tributary, and Devil's Canyon.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.5.2 Reestablish historically occupied areas to create connectivity between populations and reestablish metapopulation dynamics Partially Complete U.S. Geological Survey, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Santa Ana Zoo Management: Propagation, Management: Reintroduction Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance Some populations in the East Fork San Gabriel River watershed have formed an extended area where mountain yellow-legged frogs may be able to move between them (i.e., Alder Gulch, Vincent Gulch, Prairie Fork, and East Fork San Gabriel River).
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.5.3 Investigate the use of isolated pools or ponds to help facilitate augmentation and reintroduction of frogs Ongoing Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected In 2023, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance started releasing mountain yellow-legged frogs from captivity to Bluff Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains and monitored results.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.6.1 In augmented populations, mark released individuals to help monitor effectiveness of efforts. Monitor survivorship, breeding capacity, and movement of released animals Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Propagation, Research: Migration, Research: Reintroduction Species Expert All existing populations are surveyed annually. During monitoring surveys, all mountain yellow-legged frog adults and juveniles are PIT-tagged by U.S. Geological Survey or San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 1 6.6.2 In reestablished populations, conduct marking of translocated and captive-bred individuals (for example, polymers or PIT tags) to track effectiveness of efforts. Monitor survivorship, breeding capacity, and movement of translocated individuals and individuals released from captivity Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Propagation, Research: Reintroduction Species Expert Most reestablished populations are surveyed annually. During monitoring surveys and/or upon release, reestablished mountain yellow-legged frog adults and juveniles are PIT-tagged by the U.S. Geological Survey or San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 1.2 Conduct genetic analysis of frogs throughout the range to inform movement of individuals to augment or reestablish populations Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Genetics Species Expert The results of Schoville et al. 2011 are discussed in the recovery plan. Since that analysis, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (formerly Institute for Conservation Research) conducted an evaluation of the the genetics of wild and captive mountain yellow-legged frogs, with the results summarized in their 2022 and 2023 annual reports and in Conservation Genetics. Byrne et al. 2023 conducted an analysis that included mountain yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and southern California. We decided to breed some captive mountain yellow-legged frogs from the San Bernardino Mountains with captive mountain yellow-legged frogs from the San Jacinto Mountains.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 2.1 Continue annual monitoring of extant populations (attempt three surveys at each extant population each year to standardize effort and provide greater confidence in trends in abundance and demography). After monitoring for 5 years, monitoring for effectiveness of releases and translocations should be incorporated into regular monitoring responsibilities. Collect and report data on threats during annual monitoring Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Population Assessment, Management: Reintroduction, Research: Population Surveys, Research: Reintroduction, Management: Population Monitoring Species Expert Since completion of the recovery plan, all existing and most reestablished occurrences have been monitored annually by U.S. Geological Survey and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the results have been summarized in annual reports.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 3.1 Address recreational impacts through continued monitoring at extant locations, use of closure orders, and public education. All, or a combination of, these actions are of particular importance at the Little Rock and Dark Canyon populations Ongoing Current U.S. Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Management: Land Use Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed biological opinions to address the potential effects of recreation, including at Little Rock Creek and Dark Canyon. However, the Little Rock Creek area remains closed to recreation at this point. Dark Canyon Campground has been closed since 2019 due to a road maintenance issue. It may reopen in 2024. The San Bernardino National Forest uses a full time campground host while Dark Canyon Campground is open. In addition, Fuller Mill Creek and Dark Canyon are subject to a stream closure order by the San Bernardino National Forest.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 3.3 Increase communication between USFS, Caltrans, and other necessary parties to prevent future roadwork-related spills or other impacts into occupied and critical habitats. Install markers indicating sensitive habitat along all roads with the potential to impact extant populations or critical habitat and post maps of occupied and critical habitats in Caltrans work stations Ongoing Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, CalTrans U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, CalTrans Management: Land Use Internal Technical Assistance
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 5.3.1 Monitor habitat variables (temperature, drought periods, and stream volume) and responses to changes in environmental conditions that may be attributed to global climate change (aerial deposition, endocrine disruption, range shift, reduction in prey base, and changes in overwintering and breeding phenology) Not Started U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Ecosystem Studies, Management Species Expert
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 5.3.2 Consider likelihood of future perennial water availability during reestablishment planning. Adaptively manage any threats that manifest as a result of global climate change, such as decreased water flows, or increased temperatures Ongoing Current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Management: Reintroduction Species Expert In 2023, reestablishment efforts started at Bluff Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains, which would be a permanent source of water for mountain yellow-legged frogs even during dry periods.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 6.2 Based on genetic data of frogs in each mountain range, develop a genetic management plan to help conserve the genetic diversity of southern Rana muscosa in each management unit when conducting reestablishment or augmentation (Manage the captive animals to match the genetic diversity of the wild) (Priority 2) Ongoing Current FY 2020 San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Management: General, Research: Genetics Species Expert We've had conference calls regarding the development of a genetic management plan and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance proposed to develop one as part of a recovery challenge grant. They are in the third year of the five-year grant.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 6.5.4 Determine ability of southern Rana muscosa to coexist with native fishes Ongoing Current FY 2020 San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Predation, Research: Other Information Species Expert San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has conducted experiments with partially armored threespine stickleback and mountain yellow-legged frogs to identify potential competitive interactions. In 2023, mountain yellow-legged frogs and unarmored threespine stickleback were released at Bluff Lake.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 2 6.7 Identify the density of southern Rana muscosa in streams to inform selection of future sites as reestablishment areas Not Started U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 1.1 Investigate sensitivity of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to assist with rangewide monitoring, detection of unidentified extant populations, and monitoring for Bd, particularly in areas considered for releases Discontinued U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Research: Population Surveys Species Expert U.S. Geological Survey conducted some eDNA sampling. However, results are not yet available.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 1.10 Investigate the use of cameras and photo stations to improve detection and monitoring of frogs Partially Complete FY 2021 FY 2021 U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Geological Survey Research Species Expert In 2021, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance used a camera to remotely monitor mountain yellow-legged frogs at one site (i.e., at City Creek).
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 1.5 Investigate potential impacts from contaminants, specifically considering chemicals used during fire suppression and for maintenance of cannabis plantations Ongoing Current U.S. Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Research Species Expert U.S. Geological Survey conducted sampling for contaminants at Little Rock Creek, Fuller Mill Creek, and Bear Creek in 2021. No contaminants were identified. The U.S. Forest Service conducted sampling for contaminants from cannabis cultivation in mountain yellow-legged frog occupied and designated critical habitat on the San Bernardino National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service proposes to conduct monitoring for potential effects of aerial fire retardants if applications occur near mountain yellow-legged frog occupied and/or designated critical habitat.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 1.7 Conduct research to improve captive breeding success, including consideration of husbandry and behavioral training, and release strategies of captive-bred or translocated individuals Ongoing Current San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research U.S. Geological Survey, Los Angeles Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, Santa Ana Zoo Management: Propagation, Management: Reintroduction, Research Species Expert The captive propagation and reestablishment program has been ongoing since 2006 and now includes six facilities: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Henry Doorly Zoo at Omaha, UCLA, Los Angeles Zoo, Santa Ana Zoo, and Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is in the third year of a five-year study to improve captive breeding and reestablishment success. U.S. Geological Survey and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance have tried releasing various life stages of mountain yellow-legged frog and monitored results. Hard versus soft releases via cages have also been examined.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 1.9 Investigate overwintering habitat use. Partially Complete FY 2020 FY 2020 San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Management: Reintroduction, Research: Habitat Requirements Species Expert Since completion of the recovery plan, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance used radiotelemetry to relocate overwintering mountain yellow-legged frogs released from captivity to the San Jacinto Mountains. Results were published in the Journal for Nature Conservation in 2021.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 2.2 Prioritize and conduct surveys for unidentified populations based on information from previous survey efforts and the expertise of USGS, USFS, and CDFW biologists (particularly to identify trout-occupied waters and perennial waters) Ongoing Current U.S. Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Geological Survey Research Species Expert U.S. Geological Survey has conducted monitoring surveys annually for more than twenty years. They also periodically include surveys looking for new occurrences. Since the completion of the recovery plan, mountain yellow-legged frogs were rediscovered at Prairie Fork on the Angeles National Forest by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 2.3 Develop a formal presence/absence survey protocol to determine occupancy throughout the range Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey Management: Planning, Management: Population Monitoring Species Expert, Internal Technical Assistance
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 2.4.1 Develop a PVA for the San Gabriel MU Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey Research: Demographic Studies, Management: Population Monitoring Species Expert
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 2.4.2 Develop a PVA for the San Bernardino Mountains MU Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey Research: Demographic Studies, Management: Population Monitoring Species Expert
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 2.4.3 Develop a PVA for the San Jacinto Mountains/Palomar Mountain MU Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey Research: Demographic Studies, Management: Population Monitoring Species Expert
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 3.2 Test water quality near cannabis plantations or other occupied areas for potential detection of herbicides, pesticides, rodenticides, and fertilizers. Remove illegal plantations and associated infrastructure and restore substrate to natural conditions Ongoing Current U.S. Forest Service U.S. Forest Service Management: Land Use Internal Technical Assistance U.S. Geological Survey conducted sampling for contaminants at Little Rock Creek, Fuller Mill Creek, and Bear Creek in 2021. No contaminants were identified. The U.S. Forest Service conducted sampling for contaminants in mountain yellow-legged frog occupied and designated critical habitat on the San Bernardino National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service periodically removes cannabis plantations and associated infrastructure.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 3.4 Develop and implement appropriate fuel reductions in watersheds with extant populations to reduce wildfire risk (For example, thinning of dense stands) Partially Complete U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service Management: Land Use Internal Technical Assistance In 2020, the Bobcat Fire burned a large area on the Angeles National Forest, with effects to the Little Rock Creek, Big Rock Creek, and Devil's Canyon mountain yellow-legged frog occurrences. Mountain yellow-legged frog numbers have increased at Little Rock Creek post-fire, but declined at Big Rock Creek.
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 3.6 Identify and pursue land acquisitions to ensure habitat is available for southern Rana muscosa recovery Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Acquisition Internal Technical Assistance
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 5.2 Identify and manage potential risks associated with ultraviolet radiation, nitrogen deposition, and acid precipitation Not Started Unknown Unknown Research: Ecosystem Studies, Management Species Expert
Recovery Plan for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa) F 8 Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (760) 431-9440 Mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa 3 6.3 Determine what triggers would require individuals to be bred from different mountain ranges in an attempt to preserve the genetic diversity Partially Complete U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Research: Genetics Species Expert In 2023, we reached a multi-agency decision to breed more San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain yellow-legged frogs with each other and attempt to reestablish them at a new site in the San Bernardino Mountains (i.e., Fish Creek). We already have some mixed San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain yellow-legged frogs.