ARIZONA REPUBLIC (Phoenix, Arizona) 06 February 06 Threatened leopard frog finding refuge at SCC (Michael Famiglietti)
Scottsdale: The lowland leopard frog, named for the black spots on its back and side, is being rescued from drought and fire through conservation efforts at Scottsdale Community College.
Working with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the college's Center for Native and Urban Wildlife has rescued more than 100 frogs, which are nearing placement on the endangered species list. The frogs were taken from the Cave Creek Watt Preserve,which was scorched during the state's largest desert wildfire last year.
"When you think of deserts, you don't think of frogs," said Roy Barnes, director for the center. "But they are part of the community." advertisement
Created in 2000, the center has saved many species including the desert pup fish and the Huachuca water umbel plant, both endangered.
The frogs were collected in July after the "Cave Creek Complex" fire, which began in June and scorched 248,000 acres.
Ash, predatory species and little rainfall have made the habitat toxic for the frogs, Barnes said.
They were moved to "Toad Hall" on campus, where they hopefully will breed this spring, he added.
Barnes said he didn't know when the frogs would be returned to the wild because no one knows when conditions will improve or when the frogs will breed in large numbers.
Although not on the federal endangered species list, the lowland leopard frog is considered a "special status species," meaning it is proposed for the endangered list because of its declining numbers.
"This was an opportunity to save a very valuable species," said Mike Sredl, a Game and Fish frog biologist.
The frogs are the only one of their kind in the Valley and could not have been saved without help from the center, Sredl said.
"It's always a thrill to work with students," Sredl said.
As a recipient of Arizona Game and Fish's Heritage Fund, the center has received $12,000 from Game and Fish since its inception. It is also funded by the Nina Mason Pulliam Trust, which has given $411,000 in grants.
The center has always had a great working relationship with the department and appreciated their dedication to teaching students conservation, Barnes said.
Kathleen Grigg, a junior majoring in biology, works at the center, feeding and caring for the animals. She said the projects at the center are vital for the environment.
"It's important to have natural areas where animals can live," she said.
Four or five students will be aiding the conservation at any given time, Barnes said.
"The best way to teach something is to do it," Barnes said.
Threatened leopard frog finding refuge at SCC