Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog

Photo Credit: Oregon Caves National Park Service

Overview

  • Species Common Name Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog
  • Species Scientific Name Ascaphus montanus
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Rocky Mountain tailed frogs breed in clear, cold streams. Larvae are typically found in reaches with cobbles or boulders and are adapted to cling to rocks and scrape diatoms. Adults forage for insects at night.

Limiting factors

This species has a low reproductive rate due, in part, to multi-year larval development and the small number of eggs produced per female. Tailed frogs are vulnerable to sedimentation of streams from roads or forest practices and increased temperatures due to degraded riparian habitat.

Conservation actions

Identify, protect, and provide connections among key habitat areas, including upland refugia. Maintain the integrity of stream substrates and microclimates at occupied sites. Protect vegetation buffers around occupied sites. Reduce stream substrate disturbance. Retain upland canopy cover. Restrict chemical applications, non-native predators in streams, and livestock grazing.

Key reference or plan

Conservation Assessment for the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog in Oregon and Washington (Ascaphus montanus)

Life History Traits