Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)

Abstract

Abstract The endangered mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa) has been reduced to 80% of populations would be extinct 50 years later. Therefore, the species will not be able to persist without implementation of the reintroduction program. We found that it is more important to increase the number of suitable sites occupied by R. muscosa than to simply reinforce or augment existing populations. Expanding the current distribution by establishing new populations at suitable sites, even after the “20 populations” mark has been reached, would increase the likelihood of the species' persistence in the longer term.

Keywords

• amphibian decline
• California
• conservation target
• data‐driven conservation
• endangered species act
• environmental stochasticity