Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog


The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog or Sierra Nevada Mountain yellow-legged frog is a true frog endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada in the United States. It was formerly considered Rana muscosa until a 2007 study elevated the more central and northern populations to full species status, restricting R. muscosa to the southern Sierra Nevada and southern California. The frog is listed as an Endangered species for protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Description

This species is very similar in appearance to the southern mountain yellow-legged frog, with which it was formerly identified.

Conservation status

Shallow lakes that dry in summer endanger this high-elevation frog. Predation by non-native trout also plays a large role in limiting breeding and tadpole development. Many factors endangering the southern mountain yellow-legged frog also affect this species.