Conducting feasibility assessments of potential conservation reintroductions: A case study with the imperiled foothill yellow-legged frog, Rana boylii
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Conservation translocations are an increasingly common and often necessary component of recovering species that have become extirpated from portions of their range. Understanding and ameliorating potential threats that reduce the likelihood of successful population establishment at recipient sites is a key component of successful translocation planning. We examined multiple potential threats, including pathogens, contaminants, and invasive species, as well as habitat suitability and food resources, to assess the feasibility of reintroducing threatened, stream-obligate foothill yellow-legged frogs, Rana boylii, to Pinnacles National Park. Foothill yellow-legged frogs were extirpated from this protected area more than half a century ago. Although invasive species, disease, contaminants, food resources, and water temperatures are unlikely to inhibit foothill yellow-legged frog population establishment, potential recipient streams at Pinnacles National Park had shorter hydroperiods and much higher canopy cover than reference streams with extant foothill yellow-legged frog populations. Although the exact cause of extirpation of foothill yellow-legged frogs from Pinnacles National Park is unknown, translocations of foothill yellow-legged frogs to the park are more likely to succeed if riparian canopy cover is reduced and stream hydroperiods increased to better match those at nearby populations. Thoroughly understanding the threats to and characteristics of potential recipient sites could improve the likelihood of success of translocation outcomes in natural areas.
Suggested Citation
Macias, D., Kleeman, P.M., Hladik, M.L., Smalling, K., Johnson, P.G., Grear, D.A., Rose, J.P., and Halstead, B.J., 2026, Conducting feasibility assessments of potential conservation reintroductions: A case study with the imperiled foothill yellow-legged frog, Rana boylii: Natural Areas Journal, v. 46, no. 1, p. 31-43, https://doi.org/10.3375/2162-4399-46.1.5.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Conducting feasibility assessments of potential conservation reintroductions: A case study with the imperiled foothill yellow-legged frog, Rana boylii |
| Series title | Natural Areas Journal |
| DOI | 10.3375/2162-4399-46.1.5 |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication Date | January 16, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | BioOne |
| Contributing office(s) | California Water Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center |
| Description | 13 p. |
| First page | 31 |
| Last page | 43 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Pinnacles National Park |