Restoring Leopard Frog Habitat in Cienega Creek, Arizona

This project aimed to eradicate the non-native American bullfrog, northern crayfish, and other invasive aquatic species in Cienega Creek in order to support conservation and reintroduction of the federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frog (CLF). The team quantified the abundance and distribution of native and non-native species, removed the bullfrogs, and established a buffer-zone to prevent bullfrog dispersal from outside. Bullfrogs were eradicated by draining ponds and cattle tanks, rifle shooting, and dip and seine netting. The team also raised and released 4,769 CLF and the CLP quickly responded with successful establishment. The project was funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, BLM, and USFS.