Are two heads really better than one?

Posted onApril 27, 2022|Fraser Valley Wetlands Wildlife, Oregon Spotted Frog, Oregon Spotted Frog

Every so often we see an Oregon spotted frog that makes us go…what?!?!

At the Oregon spotted frog breeding facility, we have seen leucistic (lacking pigmentation), melanistic (increased pigmentation), extra limbs and fused toes in the tadpoles we grow here. A certain amount of differences in formation are considered normal in amphibians, about 1-3%. Considering we produce around 20,000 tadpoles a year to restore this endangered species in the wild, it’s hardly a surprise to see some differences.

But this time, for the first time, we have seen a difference in a newly hatched tadpole! And I have to admit, I am kind of obsessed with this critter. Everyone, meet the affectionately named Blinky.

A rather fuzzy image of Blinky, the two-headed tadpole at WPC’s Oregon spotted frog breeding facility in BC.

Our Blinky has two heads! Yes they are named after the three eyed fish from the Simpsons, but that’s where the connection ends. Our Blinky isn’t the result of an unscrupulous nuclear plant manager with questionable hiring practices. Blinky is just a lovely little creature we are going to watch and see how they develop. So far they are mobile and are eating out of at least one of their mouths – you can see the piece of food in the photo.

Time will tell how Blinky will do, and regardless they won’t be a candidate for release. But they will have a home in our program.

Andrea Gielens

Lead Biologist – Fraser Valley Wetlands Recovery Program

Andrea manages WPC’s captive breeding and release programs for the Oregon spotted frog and the coastal western painted turtle. Andrea has studied at-risk reptiles and amphibians in Canada and abroad, including a term at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey. Andrea also manages the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly recovery program in BC.

© 2023 Wildlife Preservation Canada

Wildlife Preservation Canada
5420 Highway 6 North
Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

Toll free 1 (800) 956-6608
Phone 1 (519) 836-9314
admin@wildlifepreservation.ca

Privacy and social media policy

Territory Acknowledgement

WPC is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario on the homelands of many nations, including the Anishinaabek, Neutral, Métis, Mississauga, and Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and on the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We work across Turtle Island, and have deep gratitude to all the Indigenous Peoples who have been, and continue to be, stewards and protectors the lands on which we rely.

Follow us on social

Charitable Registration No.

89171 0535 RR0001