Quick Facts
Latin Name: Rana muscosa / Rana sierrae
Status: Endangered
Population: Fewer than 200 individuals estimated in the wild.
Diet: Insectivorous. They eat beetles, ants, bees, wasps, and other small insects.
Length: 1.5- 3.5inches
About the Yellow-legged Frog
The Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is a species native to the mountain streams and lakes of the Sierra Nevada in California. Their name comes from the distinctive yellow or pale orange coloring on their undersides and legs. They are highly aquatic and are rarely found far from water. When startled, they emit a garlic-like odor as a defense mechanism.
Once abundant, the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog has experienced a drastic population decline of over 90% in recent decades. The tadpoles are particularly vulnerable as they often take two to four years to mature into frogs, making them susceptible to predators and environmental changes over a long period.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THIS SPECIES
The yellow-legged frog needs your help to preserve its natural habitat. Together, with Pacific Forest Trust and our network of partners, we can all protect the spaces this species needs to survive.
Help protect America's forests
Conservation PROJECTS WITH
yellow-legged frog HABITATS
The Pacific Forest Trust is dedicated to preserving natural habitats and forest systems where animals can thrive. Explore some of our conservation projects and easements in and around the yellow-legged frog habitat.
Mountcrest Working Forest
OR | 2,065 acres
Atop Oregon’s Siskiyou Crest, Mountcrest Forest has critical water, wildlife, and historic connections.
Van Eck Forest Laboratories
CA & OR | 9,400 acres
Two learning laboratories demonstrate the synergy of economic and ecologic return in sustainable forest management.