REINTRODUCTION PLANNING, SUCCESS AND CHALLENGES OF ENDANGERED AMPHIBIANS IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Robert L. Grasso; Yosemite National Park - Resources Management & Science Div; rob_grasso@nps.gov; Ninette R. Daniele, Rochelle M. Stiles, Tiffany A. May

Species reintroductions are often difficult to conduct with some leading to success and some resulting in failure. In some cases, it is not known or well understood why some reintroductions are successful while others are not. Here we present on several amphibian species reintroductions including: the Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), the California Red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), the Foothill Yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), and Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus canorus) in Yosemite National Park. We will present on the planning, monitoring, and measures of success while also addressing challenges during each stage of the reintroduction process. We believe through careful planning, project development, assessment, monitoring and adaptive management can such reintroductions become more successful in an ever-changing environment which includes protected areas like Yosemite National Park.

Lessons Learned in Wildlife Management