Why the Dusky Gopher Frog Needs Protection
Amphibians around the world are in trouble. Global amphibian populations are declining as they face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and also disease.
The dusky gopher frog, a critically endangered species in the southeastern United States, is especially vulnerable, with only a few breeding ponds left in the wild. Management efforts are working to protect these frogs by monitoring their habitat, creating new ponds, and carefully managing breeding programs.
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Dusky Gopher Frog Conservation Quick Facts
Habitat
Ephemeral freshwater ponds and surrounding longleaf pine uplands in the southeastern United States.
Conservation Status
Critically endangered – fewer than 200 adult frogs remain in the wild.
Primary Threats
Habitat loss, limited breeding sites, and wildlife disease affecting tadpoles and adults.
Program Type
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies, universities, and conservation organizations.
Threats Facing the Dusky Gopher Frog
A major obstacle for the conservation of the dusky gopher frog has been disease. Its tadpoles are especially vulnerable to an understudied wildlife disease, which can suddenly wipe out nearly all the young frogs in a pond. These die-offs happen fast and often go unnoticed, making them hard to predict and even harder to stop.
For a species with such a small range and so few breeding ponds, gaining knowledge on such a threat is key for the conservation of the dusky gopher frog.
Saving Louisiana’s Rare Frogs
To understand this threat and support conservation efforts of the dusky gopher frog, Audubon Nature Institute has partnered with USFWS to monitor ponds important to the species, test tadpoles for infection, and watch for die-offs.
Learning about where this disease is found, when it is most likely to occur, and how it interacts with its surrounding environment will help to inform management strategies and further support conservation of the dusky gopher frog.
How to Help
You can make a difference for the dusky gopher frog. Every visit, donation, Membership, or volunteer hour supports Audubon’s efforts to protect these frogs and their habitats. Click below to see how you can help.
🌿 Visit — Your visit directly supports wildlife and habitat conservation.
🌿 Donate — Fund critical programs to protect dusky gopher frogs and other endangered species.
🌿 Membership — Enjoy a year of visits while contributing to conservation with every Membership.
🌿 Volunteer — Lend your time and skills to hands-on conservation projects.
🌿 Education — Inspire the next generation of conservationists with Audubon programs.
Join the Conservation Effort
Every visit, Membership, or donation supports Audubon’s work to restore habitats and save this endangered native species.
