Reintroduced Chiricahua Leopard Frog at Buckskin Hills, Courtesy of Shaula Hedwall, USFWS

In 2002, Chirichaua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis) populations in the Buckskin Hills Conservation Management Area began declining and in 2005 the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) brought three of the last few frogs from the area into captivity.  Since that time, the FWS, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), and Phoenix Zoo have worked cooperatively on a captive breeding program for these frogs.  In addition, we have also worked with the AGFD over the last few years to improve habitat within the Buckskin Hills area.  In 2005, FWS staff led a chemical renovation project to remove nonnative fish from several of the stock tanks in this area to prepare for the return of Chiricahua leopard frogs.   On April 9, 2008, 26 subadult Chiricahua leopard frogs that were born and raised at the Phoenix Zoo, were released into an earthen stock tank in the Buckskin Hills.  On April 23, 2008, FWS staff from the Flagstaff Suboffice and AGFD staff were able to confirm that the frogs are present and appear to be surviving in their new environment.  This is the first of several planned Chiricahua leopard frog reintroductions in this area.