A native frog of California's high country that has crashed dramatically since the 1970s due to introduced trout (which eat tadpoles) and chytrid fungus. Once abundant; now found in less than 7% of historic range.

Native status: Native to Sierra Nevada; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 4–9 cm
Weight15–60 g
LifespanWild 5–10 years
OrderAnura
FamilyRanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog is a true frog endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada in the United States. R. sierrae was formerly considered R. muscosa, until a 2007 study identified populations north of the Middle Fork Kings River as R. sierrae, with R. muscosa then confined to the southern Sierra Nevada, south of the Middle Fork Kings River and west of the Sierra Crest, and within the transverse ranges of southern California.

Source: Wikipedia — Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium brown frog; smooth skin; yellow underside of thighs; dark dorsal blotches.

Similar species. Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (related; different range edge). Foothill Yellow-legged Frog.

Voice. Soft guttural call.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, small invertebrates.

Behavior. Federally endangered (listed 2014). Restricted to high-elevation lakes and streams of Sierra Nevada. Populations crashed 90%+ due to introduced trout (predation) and chytrid fungus. Recovery actions include trout removal from selected lakes.

§ Range

Sierra Nevada mountains, California

§ Habitat

High-elevation lakes, ponds, and slow streams

§ Threats

Introduced trout, chytrid fungus, drought, pesticide drift, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sierra nevada yellow-legged frog is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support trout removal from naturally fishless lakes. Donate to Sierra frog recovery. Don't move animals between basins.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog Recovery
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • IUCN Red List 2014