Conserving Utah's Sensitive Amphibians

Utah’s Sensitive Amphibians

A boreal toad being assessed for body condition metrics during 2019 field surveys

A boreal toad being assessed for body condition metrics during 2019 field surveys

Native boreal toad populations have seen a major population decline over the past two decades.

Though the toad is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Utah's Wildlife Action Plan and as “sensitive” by the U.S. Forest Service, a lack of distribution and habitat condition data in high alpine habitats makes it difficult for land and wildlife managers to propose conservation strategies—or even understand the extent of threats to the species.

In addition, climate change poses serious threats to these toads and other native amphibians, including:

  • Changes in water availability

  • Loss of breeding habitat

  • Changes to late-season freezing temperatures

  • Increasing distribution of chytrid fungus, which can be deadly to amphibians

To fill crucial gaps in understanding and lay the groundwork for future decisions affecting these species, Wild Utah Project and our partners are gathering much-needed data on these native and sensitive species and habitats.

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Our team and partners train dedicated community science volunteers to meet this goal. Study participants hike to remote locations to collect information about frog and toad eggs, tadpoles, and adults, along with collecting water quality samples.

Goals & Impacts

We're currently working with our partners to create a prioritized list of habitat areas and data gaps that need to be addressed.

Data gathered from these field efforts will be used to inform conservation planning and help management agencies better understand Utah’s ecosystems that support native wildlife.

Support this Project

So this project can continue and expand in 2020, we're asking you to show your support for Utah's native amphibians.

One of Utah’s native boreal toads in its natural alpine habitat

One of Utah’s native boreal toads in its natural alpine habitat

A monthly committment of $10, $25, $75, or another amount is an easy, automatic way to make sure these sensitive species have the consistent support they need.

As climate change continues to impact these species, you're needed now more than ever.

Will you commit to Utah's amphibians by becoming a monthly donor? Visit our website to begin today.

Our Partners

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Photos courtesy of Diane Menuz, Mary Pendergast, and Sarah Baldwin

Sarah Woodbury