» Dusky Gopher Frog

Report Card

Dusky Gopher Frog

Rana sevosa

Photo courtesy of USDA

Population Grade:

D

Habitat Grade:

F

Threat Vulnerability Grade:

C

Overall Grade:

D

Habitat Loss Threat Level:

Major Threat

Challenge:

Habitat loss is caused by urbanization, tree farms, roads, fire suppression, and the conversion of wetlands.

Actions:

Support local politicians and agencies that consider wildlife and the environment in their decisions about development to try to reduce habitat loss.

Climate Change Threat Level:

Secondary Threat

Challenge:

Changes in rainfall amounts and timing may impact when frogs breed and how diseases respond.

Actions:

Reduce your individual carbon footprint. Support policies and decision-makers taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help wildlife adapt to changes we’re already seeing.

Pollution Threat Level:

Minor Threat

Challenge:

Not a threat for this species.

Actions:

Phew! This one doesn’t yet require action. Look to the other threats for ways you can help this amphibian in need. Keep up the good work!

Harvesting & Trade Threat Level:

Minor Threat

Challenge:

Not a threat for this species.

Actions:

Phew! This one doesn’t yet require action. Look to the other threats for ways you can help this amphibian in need. Keep up the good work!

Invasive Species Threat Level:

Secondary Threat

Challenge:

Not a threat for this species.

Actions:

Phew! This one doesn’t yet require action. Look to the other threats for ways you can help this amphibian in need. Keep up the good work!

Disease Threat Level:

Major Threat

Challenge:

Major die offs have occurred because of an emerging disease that is not yet described.

Actions:

Wash your shoes and equipment after every hike, fishing trip, or visit to wetlands. You can help reduce the spread of this deadly disease! Learn how to disinfect

Population

There are less than 250 individuals left in the wild.

Habitat

Sandy long-leaf pine forests with ephemeral (temporary) wetlands and hiding places like animal burrows and tree stumps. This species used to be found in the southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, but is now limited to two populations in Mississippi.

Click here for map legend. Maps courtesy of NatureServe.

Natural History

Adults gather at shallow temporary ponds during the winter months to breed. Eggs are deposited on vegetation or other suitable locations within the pond. It can take 3-6 months for tadpoles to develop and metamorphose. Adults are typically found in surrounding upland forest habitat, and use burrows and stumps for shelter. Historically gopher tortoise burrows were believed to be important habitat for this species.

Additional Information

Dusky Gopher Frogs sometimes cover their eyes with their hands when they feel threatened.

Amphibians were graded based on their population status, occupied habitat, and vulnerability to threats. These report cards are living documents that change based on the latest amphibian expert opinion received through the Amphibian Report Card website. We rely on experts to keep the information up-to-date. If you're a species expert, share your expertise here. To learn more about how amphibians were graded, click here.

Report Card

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