The Junior School had a special presentation this week on the endangered Oregon spotted frog. The presentation was arranged by parent Andy Wright, and his two daughters Sophie and Zoe (Grade 4).
Zoe has gone out in the field to assist SFU Graduate Student, Amanda Kissel, with her research project on the spotted frog. The Oregon spotted frog is the most endangered amphibian in Canada and is at risk of local extinction within the next 10 years
As part of her research, Amanda and her field crew trapped frogs in amphibian traps, and marked them with a “transponder” tag (like a microchip). This allows her to determine the size of the entire population. So far they have only been able to estimate the number of breeding females, but this tag will now allow them to get a more accurate estimate of the males.
Amanda talked a little about frogs in general, her study and how following these little guys can help identify problems in the environment. She also talked about becoming a field biologist – perhaps inspiring some of our budding young scientists!
For more information on the Oregon spotted frog and what you can do help, visit Wildlife Preservation Canada: http://wildlifepreservation.ca/species-in-need/canadian-species/oregon-spotted-frog/