Congratulations, “mommy-to-be”!
Posted onApril 21, 2022byWildlife Preservation Canada
What is the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Program? Since 2010, WPC has been breeding the endangered Oregon spotted frog at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, and reintroducing thousands of tadpoles and froglets back into wetlands in B.C.’s Fraser Valley. It takes years of careful observation, collaboration, ingenuity and sometimes a little luck to crack the code to breeding specific species. For several years, our progress was very limited. But our team persevered. Today, WPC has pioneered breeding techniques that are turning the tide for this species.
Oregon spotted frog season has begun! Our hope is that we’re able to build on our incredibly successful year in 2021, where we produced over 20,000 tadpoles.
Prior to breeding introductions, all female frogs in WPC’s Oregon spotted frog breeding and recovery program at the Greater Vancouver Zoo were treated to an ultrasound. This process, whose data will contribute to a master’s thesis from graduate student Briar Hunter, checks the eggs for their level of development. A portable handheld ultrasound on loan from the Calgary Zoo made quick work of the process. After the ultrasound, the female frogs were introduced to the males and were in amplexus (breeding position for frogs) within minutes! Eggs coming soon!
Master’s students Pourya Sardari and Briar Hunter conduct an ultrasound of one of the females in the program.
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