Storm May Help With Re-Introduction of California Red-Legged Frog

Santa Monica Mountains biologists attempting to re-introduce the California red-legged frog

By Chad Winthrop

It’s been a challenging two years since the Woolsey Fire swept through the Santa Monica Mountains where biologists have been trying to re-introduce the California red-legged frog, but this week’s storm may help the beleaguered amphibian’s recovery.

The species is listed as federally threatened under the Endangered Species Act and has not been found in the Santa Monica Mountains since the 1970s. The goal of a project being undertaken by the National Parks Service (NPS), is to reintroduce the beleaguered amphibian back into the Santa Monica Mountains by translocating egg masses from a nearby source population of California red-legged frogs.

“Our biologists report that in one of the four translocation sites, breeding activity is back to pre-fire numbers. That’s great news! Sadly, the other three reintroduction sites remain heavily silted from mudslides that occurred when it rained post-fire and there is no suitable breeding habitat for the frogs,” said NPS Ranger Ana Beatriz.

Last fall, the NPS found adult frogs at all sites that had survived the fire and silt and these frogs are more resilient than expected, In 2020, however, the frogs were much harder to find.

“The vegetation is thick and there are few good pools for the frogs to hang out in. We will try to find them again when we conduct more night surveys in a couple of months,” Beatriz said.

Also, unlike in past years, Beatriz says the decision was made to not transfer egg masses or release any tadpoles into any of the reintroduction streams this year because the streams were in “such a sad state.”

“So, all frog lovers out there, cross your fingers and send positive thoughts that we will get a few good storms this winter to scour out some pools and help the habitat recover. If that happens, then we hope to move eggs from our source population in March,” Beatriz said.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica College to Perform “Seussical (Theatre for Young Audiences)”

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The 75-minute family-friendly musical, set in the Jungle of Nool, follows Horton the elephant as he protects a speck of...

Congressman Secures $14.5M for Westside, San Fernando Valley Projects

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The initiatives address wildfire mitigation, public safety, housing, and community services Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that a key...

California Sues Trump Administration Over High-Speed Rail Funding Cut

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Newsom described the move as a “heartless attack on the Central Valley,” threatening jobs and livelihoods Governor Gavin Newsom announced...

Venice Family Clinic Slams HHS Funding Restrictions as Assault on Immigrants

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

HHS announced on July 10 that it would restrict access to programs like community health centers, Head Start, and other...

Former Hammer Museum Director Receives Getty Prize, Awards $500,000 to NPR

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Philbin’s tenure at the Hammer saw the launch of the Hammer Projects series and the Made in L.A. biennial, alongside...

Salt & Straw Celebrates Ice Cream Week with Strawberry Shortcake Waffle Cone Through the Weekend

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The item launched nationwide, available with any ice cream flavor or as an exclusive sundae featuring Strawberry Honey Balsamic ice...

LAX Metro Transit Center Boosts K Line Ridership, Overall Metro Sees Slight Decline

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The station completes the K Line, allowing continuous service from Expo/Crenshaw Station to Redondo Beach and enhancing regional connectivity through...

City Launches Free RAMP Webinar for Small Businesses

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The online event aims to help small businesses tap into procurement opportunities across Southern California through the RAMP platform The...

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Controversial Rebuilding Authority Delayed by Sen. Allen

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The pause follows concerns raised weeks ago when the proposal sought to create an agency run by political appointees to...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Fire Survivors Urged to Shape Rebuilding Efforts with Digital Feedback Platform

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The initiative, launched in February, marks California’s first large-scale use of a dedicated digital tool to gather wildfire survivor feedback...