10,000th leopard frog released in Rim Country

Courtesy photo by Jim Rorabaugh, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WHAT
Come witness the release of the 10,000th threatened Chiricahua leopard frog into the wild! Join biologists as they treat the frogs at the Phoenix Zoo to prevent the spread of disease to wild frog populations and prepare them for the drive to Payson for release on the Tonto National Forest.

Until the 1970s, this greenish-brown frog was found in many areas throughout central and southeastern Arizona. Drought, non-native species, disease and habitat destruction have contributed to the decline of this frog’s population in our state.

The frogs were raised from eggs collected near Young and reared at the Phoenix Zoo’s Conservation Center. Captive rearing of frogs and reintroduction into the species’ historical habitat are helping bring this species back from the brink of extinction. This release marks the 10,000th Chiricahua leopard frog reared by the Phoenix Zoo and released into Arizona’s wilderness.

This release and recovery effort is a partnership between the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Phoenix Zoo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and a private landowner.

WHEN
Preparation at the Phoenix Zoo:
Monday, Aug. 23, from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Meet at 7:30 at the Park Ranger Office inside the zoo’s entrance to
be escorted to the preparation area.

Release event in Payson:
Monday, Aug. 23, at 1:30 p.m.
Meet at the Payson Ranger District Office for escort to the release site.

WHERE
Preparation:
Phoenix Zoo
4545 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Release:
Tonto National Forest – Payson Ranger District Office
1009 E. Highway 260
Payson, AZ 85541

Directions: Approximately 1 mile east of Arizona Highway 87 on the south side of
Highway 260.

Additional information
Please RSVP to Public Information Officer Lynda Lambert at (623) 236-7203 if you plan to attend.