New Article: Leopard Frogs - New Species Found, Captive Care, Leopard Frog Diversity

[findi]

Hi All,
As a native of NYC, I’m no stranger to the natural wonders to be found there. In my time, I’ve filled quite a few notebooks with pleasant surprises…coyotes in Manhattan, Pine Voles in the Bronx, Red Salamanders on Staten Island, 1,000+ insect species, 13 herps, 250+ birds, red and gray fox on the grounds of the Bronx Zoo, and many more. New species have been discovered as well, but most have been small and secretive, such as the undescribed centipede recently found living in Central Park. But the existence of a sizable, gaudy frog that calls loudly each spring, living undetected within city limits, took the herpetological community very much by surprise. Read article here: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatr...a-new-species-is-discovered-in-new-york-city/
Comments and questions appreciated.

Thanks, Frank

http://twitter.com/#!/findiviglio
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000972624553
Bio: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatr...logist-frank-indiviglio-to-that-reptile-blog/

 

[bugmankeith]

Couldn't they just be captive bred frogs released long ago by people dumping there pet frogs? Many science sites and pet stores sell leopard frogs, all species, explaining how hybrids could be possible. We never had bullfrogs here but we do now people let them go.

I live on Long Island and a tiny sump hold spring peepers, the only place for miles that holds enough water to allow a few to mate and breed. The place is full of trash between 2 houses, but the sad part the town I live in could care less if they die out from pollution I think it's a big deal but not many nature lovers here who bother to protect them.

 

[findi]

Hi Keith,

Many Leopard Frog species/subspecies will hybridize, but the genetic work being done on this one indicates that it is distinct.

As for the spring peepers, it might be worthwhile to get in contact with the DEC in Stonybrook; perhaps someone there will follow up or point you in the right direction.

Best, Frank

 

[Anthony Jensen]

Cool article Frank, that's cool that the government did that for them!

 

[findi]

Cool article Frank, that's cool that the government did that for them!

Thanks, Anthony, glad you enjoyed. I agree...nice to see that frogs are getting some conservation attention. This article on the frog leg trade may interest you: http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatr...ogs-annually-and-threatens-species’-survival/
\
Best, Frank