Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) is a species whose breeding habitat is typically associated with shallower, lower velocity habitat types with high solar exposure across most of its range. Long-term monitoring of foothill yellow-legged frog populations in the Middle Fork American River watershed reflect this life history strategy but also depict novel oviposition sites potentially more common in larger perennial and/or managed riverine systems. We observed these novel oviposition sites in higher velocity mid-channel locations in deep substrate crevices and attached to the underside of large boulders with little to no solar exposure. Additionally, we build on other recent publications describing novel use of upland habitats by this species in the watershed.

Caroline is a biologist specializing in freshwater ecology. She has worked in the Sierra Nevada and Middle Fork American River watershed for six years monitoring foothill yellow-legged frogs, western pond turtles, and freshwater fishes and their habitats. Rick Evans is a wildlife biologist and freshwater ecologist with 15 years of experience and has worked in both the consulting and public sectors. The majority of his career has been spent working with amphibians, reptiles, avian species and freshwater fish in the Sierra Nevada.