Zoo takes leap to scale up state’s dramatically declining gopher frog population
March 11, 2022
45 Frogs Released as Part of Conservation Partnership with SCDNR
The state-endangered gopher frog has a new jump on life because of a ‘Head Start’ conservation partnership with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
To date, state herpetologists and herpetologists with Riverbanks Zoo have released more than 300 frogs in species protected areas of the Low Country. A group of 45 including 10 adults was released last week adding to the protected population.
“By releasing some adults, we hope the frogs will have a better chance of survival,” said Sean Foley, curator of herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “We will monitor breeding habits through DNA samples collected from the frogs prior to release.”
Riverbanks has been caring for gopher frogs for more than twenty years—successfully reproducing the species in 2016. This was the first natural breeding of gopher frogs in professional care. Foley adds that receiving gopher frog eggs from SCDNR is a natural fit.
“Riverbanks has been very successful in rearing tadpoles as they morph into froglets and are mature enough to be released back into the wild,” said Foley. “We are hopeful that we will soon be able to augment wild populations through our partnership with SCDNR for the foreseeable future.”
Gopher frog populations have dramatically declined in South Carolina mostly through habitat loss of longleaf pine ecosystems. Riverbanks now has about 30 gopher frogs on habitat at the Zoo.
For additional information about the gopher frog ‘Head Start’ initiative or to arrange interviews with Riverbanks’ herpetologists, please email [email protected]. Photos and video also are available here.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 2,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for nearly 50 years, has connected individuals, families, and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science, and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation. For more information, visit www.riverbanks.org.
