Projects
Oregon Spotted Frog
Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Oregon, 2018
The scientific name Rana Pretiosa meaning “precious Frog” is apt for this unique and rare frog of the Pacific Northwest. These frogs reside and breed in areas of clean standing water such as wetlands, lakes, or slow moving streams.
Like a canary in a coal mine, amphibians such as frogs are considered a ‘key indicator’ species meaning they are among the first to be affected by a changing environment. Living in and out of the water, their porous skin makes them vulnerable to pathogens and chemicals in waterways such as run off from cattle farming and pesticides from agriculture.
40% of amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Various human activities threaten their habitat such as urban and agricultural water use, dam construction, and excessive livestock grazing.
We can help the Oregon spotted frog and their amphibian brethren by replacing harmful pesticides with organic alternatives, using biodegradable cleaning supplies, reducing demand for livestock, and conserving water.
Amphibians are essential not only for the health of our ecosystems, but human health in particular. Their skin contains peptides used in many medications, their ability to regrow limbs informs our understanding of tissue regeneration, and their predation of insects like mosquitos reduces the spread of diseases like malaria.