The Wyoming Toad - Xavier Caldera

The Unique 'Wyoming Toad'

Description

           The Wyoming Toad is one of the most endangered amphibians in North America. Throughout the years starting primarily in the 1970’s there was a sharp decline in population. It is one of the most unique amphibians as it is only located in the Laramie Basin. The Wyoming Toad is a small toad, approximately 1.75 to 2.75 in when fully grown and so far the oldest toad recorded is about 9 years old (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). As one of the rarest amphibians in North America it is imperative we continue to support the conservation efforts being put forth to take the Wyoming Toad off the endangered list!

Geographic and Population Changes

            Historically, the Wyoming Toad could be found within the floodplains of the Laramie Rivers and the surrounding ponds and small seepage lakes in the Laramie Basin. Specific population numbers were not accurately recorded but it was estimated that only 16 were left back in 1985 (McKim). In 2008 with more advanced equipment, they were able to more accurately track the population of the Wyoming Toad which was 36 Total Toads as shown on table 4 (USFWS). In the image to the right, you can get a better idea of the region the Wyoming Toad is located which is towards the South-Eastern part of Wyoming with parts of its habitat run straight through the interstate 80 and near the city of Laramie. Wyoming toads do not appear to move far within their habitat and are rarely found more than 30 ft. from water. This approximated historic range is about 450,000 acres but as the Wyoming Toad neared extremely low populations in which around 1989, the last ten Wyoming toads were taken into captivity(USFWS). Currently, the Wyoming Toad is limited to the Laramie Plains but more specifically at the Mortenson Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the two release sites created under a Safe Harbor Agreement.

Listing Date and Type of Listing

              The Wyoming Toad was officially listed as an endangered species, range wide, on February 17^th, 1984. The Endangered Species Act mandated that there be an implement recovery plan which would help to restore a species to ecological heath and ultimately ‘recover’ the species (Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service). The original approved recovery plan was enacted in 1991 but was revised in 2015.

Cause of Listing and Main Threats to its Continued Existence

               At the time of listing, the cause was relatively unknown so they based their findings off of simple observations of a drastic decline in the population. The primary threats of the original listing were limited distribution, habitat manipulation, disease, and a small population size. On the table to the left, you can see a specific breakdown of the threats and their level. 

               The removal of cattle that were allowed to graze in the area before the listing had a part in the decline because cattle helped keep overgrowing vegetation shade low so that the water would be warm for the Wyoming Toads to breed. The hoof prints also created small pools which the Wyoming Toads used for breeding, without the cattle the population was noted to have declined a few years after removed so now, it has been recognized as useful vegetation (USFWS).

            As discussed on the recovery plan, the limited distribution is also a major factor to its listing and treat to continued existence because it’s confined to Mortenson Lake and two protected sites but no breeding has been documented in recent years so they do not have a self-sustaining population which also makes it harder for them to be re-introduced elsewhere. Because of this limited distribution they face the risk of infectious disease which Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis (Bd) may have been a factor for a population decline in 2003. Due to (Bd), there is a strict boot and equipment disinfecting protocol that is strictly enforced because it is possible the highest threat for extinction. Note only that but some think that possible causes could also include aerial spraying of pesticides, chytrid fungus, red-leg disease and habitat alteration (Lindsey). 

               The Wyoming toad has a small population size and low genetic diversity which makes it hard for them to make a strong comeback quickly so the monitoring of its current treats to its existence continue to be limited distribution, lack of a suitable habitat for reintroduction, disease, and small population size.

Leaping Back to Recovery                       

                                                                                                                                                                       (Pictures by National Geographic)

        The final goal for recovery is to allow the down listing and de-listing of the Wyoming Toad. The plan includes both short and long term strategies which will continue to help the Wyoming Toad make a strong comeback. The recovery plan can be broken down into 5 main actions; 1) captive population management and
research, 2) wild population, monitoring, and research, 3) identifying new release sites, 4) planning and adaptive management, and 5) outreach and cooperation. Some of the issues I’d like to highlight in this recovery plan includes, maintaining the genetic diversity in captive population, expanding the breeding facility capacity, minimizing the spread of Bd in the field, continued soft releases, and identifying new release sites. On the right top two pictures, you have an example of where the captive toads are kept and how they are monitored for research as well as fed a variety of species to best determine their diet and maintain genetic diversity. The bottom picture is specifically interesting because this is what they call a 'Soft Release' in which they take the captive toads and place them in this entrapment within their natural habitat to assimilate as easily and comfortably as possible while still being monitored by staff (National Geographic). This allows them to also find new release sites and get a preview as to how they will do in this new site. Scientist have found intuitive ways to keep track of these Wyoming Toads and as described by Dina Spector, these toads have been given 'mini backpacks' to help with the wildlife monitoring and research (Spector). 

(Picture from Spector Article)                                                                                                                                             (Picture from Business Insider Article)

      

       

What can you do TOAD-ay?                                    

You are already doing something to help the Wyoming Toad by reading this blog! Get informed and spread the news about the Wyoming Toad. Continue to support and donate or even volunteer with the conservation efforts being done by the ‘Wyoming Toad Recovery Team’ and the ‘Wyoming Game and Fish Department’. Not only that but you can write a letter to your congress representative and express your support for the “Land and Water Conservation Fund” which is one of America’s most beneficial programs to conserve valuable land throughout our nation that supports the habitats of thousands of species including the Wyoming Toad. Take time one day to visit a National Wildlife Refuge to really see first hand the  how much of a positive impact wildlife conservation is making. Check out this link to see the closest wildlife refuge in your area! Be proactive and well informed!

Other  TOAD-ally Cool Resources:

Check out these awesome sites for more ways to get informed and be a part of wildlife conservation !

For more information on how to give money donations:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Hutton_Lake/what_we_do/get_involved/federal_duck_stamp_program.html

For more information on visiting refuge locations:
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/

For more information on local volunteering for the Wyoming Toad:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Hutton_Lake/what_we_do/get_involved.html
Call: 970-723-8202 or Email  arapaho@fws.gov.

For more information on ways to get involved HERE in SLO: 
https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/california/placesweprotect/san-louis-obispo-county.xml

Cited Sources: 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Wyoming Toad Bufo hemiophrys baxteri now known as Anaxyrus baxteri Revised Recovery Plan, May 2015; Original Approved September 11, 1991. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

McKim, Cooper. “Wyoming Toads Begin To Recover As States Seek Endangered Species Act Overhaul.” NPR, NPR, 19 June 2017, www.npr.org/2017/06/19/533203933/wyoming-toads-rebound-as-states-seek-endangered-species-act-reforms.


“Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination That Bufo Hemiophrys Baxterl (Wyoming Toad) Is an Endangered Species .” Federal Register, Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service , ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr785.pdf.

Lindsey. “The Wyoming Toad: Almost Extinct in America’s Backyard.” Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, 15 Oct. 2011, amphibianrescue.org/tag/wyoming-toad/. 

Lindsey. “The Fascinating Wyoming Toad.” Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project, 25 Aug. 2011, amphibianrescue.org/2011/08/25/the-fascinating-wyoming-toad/.

“Can We Save These Rare Toads from Extinction? .” National Geographic , 15 Nov. 2015, video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/151112-rare-wyoming-toad-extinction-save-vin?-toadsnative&sf17961529=1.

“Wyoming Toad (Bufo Hemiophrys Baxteri).” Environmental Conservation Online System, ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=D01R.

Spector, Dina. “Biologists Are Outfitting Toads With Mini Backpacks To Save Them From Extinction.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 8 Aug. 2013, www.businessinsider.com/how-biologists-track-the-most-endangered-amphibian-in-north-america-2013-8.