Created in partnership with the
Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

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About the Dusky Gopher Frog

An endangered Dusky Gopher Frog is resting with his head poking out of the water

Image by Ben Morrison

Other Common Names:
Mississippi gopher frog
Dark gopher frog
St. Tammany gopher frog

Scientific name:
Lithobates sevosus

Family:
Ranidae

Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered

Map of the specified risk area for the Dusky Gopher Frog critical habitat

Learn more about mitigating risks

These videos are part of a 5-part presentation series of conservation education on the dusky gopher frog.

Each video has a duration of about 6 minutes and covers different topics related to the endangerment and protective actions we can take to conserve this precious and important amphibian in our environment.

Conservation Values

In this presentation, we will learn about some of the conservation values of the dusky gopher frog.

Learning the current and historical status of the dusky gopher frog and its value to both humans and the ecosystem is essential to understanding how we can mitigate risk so we can live and work harmoniously alongside sensitive reptile and amphibian communities.

(Run time: 5:24)

In the first presentation on “Conservation Values”, we learned about the status and value of the Dusky Gopher Frog. In this presentation, we will learn about some of the historic and ongoing threats that have critically endangered the dusky gopher frog. Understanding the role landowners and managers play have played historically in the decline of the Dusky Gopher Frog is essential to understand before learning how we can mitigate those practices to live and work harmoniously alongside sensitive amphibian communities.

(Run time: 4:51)

In the previous presentation on “Forest Management Threats”, we learned about some of the incompatible management practices endangering the dusky gopher frogs, and the different habitats they occupy. In this video, we will discuss methods that can be used to minimize the threats to the wetlands these frogs use as a breeding habitat.

(Run time: 4:56)

In the presentation on “Reducing Threats to Breeding Habitats”, we discussed methods that can be used to minimize the threats to the wetlands these frogs use as breeding habitat in ponds and wetlands, especially during breeding season. Equally as important is the, year-round, protection of non-breeding habitat for adults in nearby upland forests, which we will discuss further in this presentation.

(Run time: 3:28)

In this final presentation, we will learn about conservation action plans and projects planned or in place to assist the recovery of the Dusky Gopher Frog, and how those actions connect to other species’ recovery plans.

(Run time: 5:52)

Want to continue the learning journey?

About our NGO partner: Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

Logo for the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on identifying and conserving the highest priority places for amphibians and reptiles in the United States.

ARC protects endangered amphibians and reptiles through a strategic, scientific, and passionate approach that allows us all to make a real difference.