http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =6&t=22341
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Lassen population Cascades Frog are rare.Brian Hubbs wrote:I would only have one disagreement with what you just said Richard. The word "rare" never applies to U.S. herps ever...We do not have any rare herps in the U.S. We have herps that are rarely encountered due to their secretive nature, but not rare herps.
Last paper I saw on them, extirpated from 99% of historical localities. Only six localities with confirmed sightings, and a possible sighting at a seventh locality (unconfirmed despite several attempts)
Of the six localities, four of those localities do not appear to be breeding at all, with a population of less than 20 adult frogs - repeated surveys shows the same frogs via pattern.
Two of those localities had reproduction, but smaller populations than would be expected for the species in the same habitat based upon data in the 70s.
Lassen population Rana cascadae are indeed rare.
Hopefully the current drought didn't do them in completely.
If all Rana cascadae are in fact the same species, then the species is not rare. The Trinity Alps population segment, despite 50% reduction from historical localities, seems to be healthy where fish were not planted. The northern population (Oregon and Washington state) has only seen about 20% reduction from historical localities if I remember.
But the Lassen population, geographically isolated from the other two, is rare.
It is my humble opinion (er, okay, maybe not so humble) that Lassen population Rana cascadae should be federally protected as a Distinct Population Segmentation of Rana cascadae and listed as critically endangered.