Endangered Species in Santa Cruz County - Amphibians

California Red-Legged Frog

Scientific Name: Rana aurora draytonii

Status: T, CH

California red-legged frogs are primarily pond frogs, but they also inhabit marshes, streams, and lagoons during the breeding season. They range from 1.5 to 5 inches in length, making them the largest native frog in the Western United States.

The primary predators include garter snakes, raccoons, and great blue herons.

The California red-legged frog is widely believed to have inspired Mark Twain's story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."

To Learn More:

• AmphibiaWeb
  Information on historical versus current distribution, habitat, breeding. Can listen to frog's call.
• CalPhotos - University of California, Berkeley
  Browsable photographs of the species.
• Santa Cruz Public Libraries - Local Resources
  Searches SCPL's online catalog for local documents and other information on this species.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  Documents describing protection for this species under the Endangered Species Act. General information about the species as well as plans both to protect it and to help it recover.
• Species Account
  Excerpts from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documents available at the Central Branch Library

Last updated by ann on April 22, 2008