Sebastian Cardoza 

BIO 227 

-  ARROYO TOAD  - 

(Anaxyrus Californicus) 

 United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

Listing Status:

ENDANGERED 

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List species 

2004 

Intro

This blog discusses the natural habitat, recovery efforts and what you can do to save the Arroyo Toad. This endangered California endemic toad species is sensitive to the changes that humans have made to our rivers, streams over the past few decades and is decreasing in numbers steadily. The Arroyo Toad was officially proposed as endangered in 1993 and confirmed a year later in 1994 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services. It is also recognized as an International Union for Conservation of Nater Red List species.   

Description of Toad:

The Arroyo Toad (Southwestern Toad or Anaxyrus Californicas) is the smallest toad in the Bufonidae family. Its body is only 5-8 Centimeters or 2-3 inches when grown to full maturity. Its base skin texture is described as warty with spots.The base color of these toads is typically found with greenish grey color but has also been seen with a tan coloration. A lighter skin tone stripe it typically found streaking the top of its head crossing over the eyelids. Also, Light colorations can be found under the hump on its back and the general middle region of its back. This toad has also been identified as having symmetrical dorsal blotches with a white buff belly lacking in spots compared to the rest of its skin. 

The Arroyo Toad has a distinct mating call that can be used to help identify this species. During mating seasons the Arroyo toad trills in a high tone for lasting approximately 8-10 seconds.  

The Arroyo Toad is often using short jump as appose to walking or even long-range

jumps. 

Center for Biological Diversity(http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

species/amphibians/arroyo_toad/index.html

Description of Ecology:

Historically the Arroyo Toad was located in Coastal Montaine Regions ranging from Monterey California all the way to Baja California in rivers located in riparian corridors and wetland regions. These Rivers (Ponds and other bodies of water) stretch from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. The location for breeding of the Arroyo toad is described as a larger river with persistent water flow from March till mid-June. During these times is when the Arroyo Toad tends to lay its eggs. Eggs develop within small pools with minimal current and low vegetation along the fringes of these larger rivers. 

The Arroyo Toad is primarily nocturnal during the day and is active at night. Because of this behavior, it spends most hours under the sandy banks of its river habitats. During the drier Spring and Summer month's the toad buries deeper into the soil where it is moist and cool. During this time the Arroyo Toad is primarily in a dormant state called estivation. During this time the toad is susceptible to harmful trampling and harmful fluids.  
  

Ventura River Upper Wetland Estuary(https://scwrp.org/projects/ventura-river-upper-estuary-wetland-restoration-atr-willoughby-preserve/)

Main Threats to Species:

Due to the fact that toads and other amphibious species are sensitive to moisture, the primary cause of there decreasing numbers relates to the water sources where their habitats are typically found. Pollution to our own historic waterways is the primary reason why the living quality of the Arroyo Toad has is degrading. This pollution is caused by a number of sources that have increased in development up till today. Some of the primary human interventions that are affecting the natural habitat of the Arroyo Toad include; agriculture production, urbanization, roads, damns, vehicle use, overgrazing, mining activities, developed campgrounds, and an introduction of foreign plant and animal species. Recreational activities and river pollution in general also contribute to the degrading habitat in these riparian and wetland areas. 

River Partners (http://www.riverpartners.org/news-and-events/newsletters/2016_v13n2_ArroyoToadRecovery.html)

Geographic and Population Changes:

The Arroyo toads native habitat has shrunken over the course of the last few centuries. The historic range of this toad has been shrunken down by 75% of its original historic territory. Currently, there are 35 River Basins within Southern California. Each one of these zones can contain a handful of adults ranging from fewer than 25 to over 200 breeding adults. Currently, the average amount of breeding adults per site ranges from 10-12. The Upper Santa Ysabel Creek Basin, San Diego County (Zone 18) contains the highest amount of breeding adults today as referenced in figure 2. As of today sites, 1,3,4,5,8,9,10-13,15-20,22,23,25-27,31-34 are under the "Extend" population category (Arroyo toad population at a site location has been verified recently (within the last 5 to 6 years) as still existing). Portions of Sites 1,2,22 and 25 have been categorized as "Extripated" (Adequate surveys by one or more experienced observers at time and under conditions appropriate for the species at the zone location, or other persuasive evidence, indicate that the species no longer exists there or that the habitat or environment of the zone location has been destroyed to such an extent that it can no longer support the species) within the most recent survey. In addition to this zones, 3-7,9,12-16,21,23,25,28,29,30 and 35 have locations that are titled as Unknown(Sites have not been surveyed within the last 5-6 years.) 

 

Figure 1

United States Fish and Wildlife Services Range Map 
(https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=D020)

Figure 2

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wild Office, 

Ventura,California(https://www.fws.gov/ventura/docs/species

/at/Arroyo%20Toad%20Final%20Species%20Report.pdf)

So whats the plan?  

The Recovery plan for the Arroyo Toad aims to re-establish the population to a level where it can sustain its own population without the assistance of the Endangered Species Act of 1998. The structure of the plan is broken into five main parts...

1. Stabilize and maintain populations by protecting sufficient breeding and nonbreeding habitat. 

2. Monitor the status of existing populations.

3. Conduct research in order to determine the population dynamics and ecology.

4. Develop an outreach program.

5. Implement an outreach program.

This will be accomplished by establishing 20 self-sustaining populations along the federal land. Today 17 have been established with unknown records on the population statistics of these locations. Upon completion of the Recovery Plan, the Arroyo Toad will have a stable population and should no longer require the protection of the 1988 Endangered Species Act.   

So what can I do to help?

There are a number of great ways that you can help to Arroyo Toad make a comeback to the California riparian and wetland habitats. Due to the fact that the decline of the Arroyo Toad is tied to the degradation of there habitat. Preserving these spaces is most important. Climate change and urban development are the two major factors that address the Arroyo Toads habitat. Therefore In order to help out the cause here is a list of things you can do to lower your carbon footprint and help reduce the effects of climate change. 

1. Consume less/no meat.

2. Walk, bike and drive less.

3. Purchase, consume, waste less. 

4. Switch to energy efficient products for a household.

5. Recycle, compose and be more responsible for littering and waste. 

If you are ever in enjoying the outdoors and happen to be in These following locations. (San Antionio River, Salinas River, Sisquoc River, Upper Santa Ynez River, Mono Creek, Indian Creek, Aqua Caliente Creek, Santa Clara River, Lion Creek, Sespe Creek, Uper Piru Creek, Lower Oury Creek, Agua Blanca Creek,Castaic Creek, San Francisquito Creek, Upper Big Tujunga Creek, Alder Creek, Arroyo Seco, Santiago Creek, Silverado Creek, Cajon Wash, San Jacinto River, Bautista Creek, San Juan Creek, Trabuco Creek, Cristianito Creek, Gabino Creek, La Paz Creek , Talega Creek, San Mtero Creek, San Onofre Creek, Santa Margariata River, DeLuz Creek, Roblar Creek, Sandia Creek, Arroyo Seco Creek, Temecula Creek, Wilson Creek, Cole Creek, San Luis Rey River, Keys creek,Pala Creek, West Fork San Luis Rey River, San Luis Rey, River Canada Aguanga, Agua Caliente Creek, San Dieguito River/Santa Ysabel Creek, Guejito Creek, Boden Canyon, Temescal Creek, Santa maria Creek, Santa Ysabel Creek and Whitch Creek, San Vicente Creek, San diego River, Sweetwater River, Viejas Creek, Perterson Creek, Tijuana River, Cottonwood Creek, Potrero Creek, Campo Creek, Pine Vallye Creek and Horetheif Canyon, Pine Vallye, Noble Creek, Scove Canyon, Morena Creek, Kitchen Creek, La posta Creek, Little Rock Creek, West Fork Mojave River, Grass Valley and  Upper and Lower Little Horse theif Creek,) 

1. Avoid stepping into the water or to close to the edge.

2. Do not litter and clean any trash that you see. 

3. If possible avoid driving to location and bike or walk. 

4. Avoid visiting these locations at night. 

5. Avoid letting pets off leash and into the water. 

And of course, you can always donate to any of these organizations to help protect and re-establish the Arroyo Toad. 

  

Center for Biological Diversity 

https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/onlineactions/ogUEYtJBUka8b3u8yTXQvA2/?

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/invest-in-conservation/donate.php

Los Padres Forest Watch 

https://lpfw.org/our-region/wildlife/arroyo-toad/

IUCN Red List

http://support.iucnredlist.org

References: 

Arroyo Toad Species Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Ventura, March 14, 2014.https://www.fws.gov/ventura/docs/species/at/Arroyo%20Toad%20Final%20Species%20Report.pdf

Fish and Wildlife Services Prematurely Proposes to Reduce Protections for California's Endangered Arroyo Toad, Center for Biological Diversity, March 26, 2014, https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_

releases/2014/arroyo-toad-03-26-2014.html

Federal Register, Vol. 76,No. 27, Rule and Registration, https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-02-09/pdf/2011-1703.pdf

Federal Register, Vol. 63,No. 87, Rules and Registration, https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1998-05-06/pdf/98-11972.pdf#page=1

Federal Registration, Vol. 63,No. 241, Rules and Registration, https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr2750.pdf

Developing Partnership to Support the Arroyo Toad Recovery Plan, River Partners, Dave Robersts, Restoration Ecologist, Southern California, http://www.riverpartners.org/news-and-events/newsletters/2016_v13n2_ArroyoToadRecovery.html 

Mexican Wolf

(Canis lupus baileyi)

by Tyler Knight

https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/species_images/doc4961-250px-thumbnail.jpg

Description & Ecology:

The Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), is the smallest, southern-most occurring, rarest, and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America. These wolves weigh around 50 - 80 pounds and are about 5 ½  feet long from nose to tail. They are also anywhere from 28 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat is very distinctive and full of deep colors consisting of gray, rust, and black. They also often have distinguishing facial patterns. There are no solid black or white variations that exist as with other North American gray wolves.

Mexican Wolves communicate through a complex way of communication that includes scent marking, body postures, and numerous vocalizations. They live in packs consisting of about 4-8 wolves. These packs include an adult mated pair and their offspring, often from several generations. This pair tends to be monogamous and the only ones in their pack breeding. The wolves have a 63-day gestation period after breeding in February. Then they will give birth in April or early May to four to six pups. Mexican wolves like to prey on native animals around them including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, rabbits, and other small mammals. They hunt collaboratively, by chasing their prey long distances in order to take down the animals that are much larger than them in size.

Geographic & Population Changes:

Mexican wolves are found in a variety of southwestern habitats. Despite this, they are actually not low desert dwellers as once thought to be. In the past, Mexican wolves lived in the mountain forests, grasslands, and shrublands of central and northern Mexico, southwestern Texas, southern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona.

https://www.wolfquest.org/wolf_mexican.php 

This is most likely due to the combination of available resources including cover, water, and available prey. Today, the Mexican wolf has been reintroduced to the Apache National Forest in southeastern Arizona. As the population hopefully expands they may also move into the adjacent Gila National Forest in western New Mexico. After being. There are only about 300 Mexican wolves left captivity and about 97 in the wild. The goal of the reintroduction program was to restore at least 100 wolves to the wild by 2006, but unfortunately it will take much more than that until they are safe from extinction.

Listing:

• Date Listed: 03/09/1978
• Type of Listing: Endangered!
• Cause of Listing: The wolves were targeted because they preyed on sheep, cattle, and goats which interfered with livestock operations.

          Ultimately, humans pose the greatest threats to the Mexican Wolf. We at one point quite literally wiped out the entirety of their population in the wild. After that it took a captive breeding program started by Mexico and The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service using 7 founder wolves to restore their population to what it is today. Unfortunately, their population is still at low numbers. Despite a majority of people in both states where the wolves reside supporting their recovery, illegal killings continue to be the leading cause of death for lobos.

Recovery Plan:

http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/knau/files/styles/medium/public/201610/Mexican_Gray_Pack.jpg

         Since 1976 The Mexican Wolf (Canis Lupus Baileyi) has been protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The recovery strategy for the Mexican wolf is to establish and increase the size of two resilient, genetically diverse Mexican wolf populations distributed across ecologically and geographically diverse areas in the subspecies’ range in the United States and Mexico. The recovery strategy ensures that the Mexican Wolf population will be able to achieve the ability to become delisted through the conservation of their population and habitat. The recovery strategy for the Mexican wolf addresses the threats of human-caused deaths, extinction risk due to small populations, and loss of gene diversity. Eventually, it is expected that through this recovery plan the Mexican Wolf populations will become stable and will increase. In addition to this it is believed that the wolves will be well distributed geographically and more genetically diverse. The main components of this strategy include monitoring wild populations and implementing adaptive management and collaborating with partners to address social and economic concerns related to Mexican wolf recovery. This plan was developed in coordination with federal agencies in Mexico state as well as U.S. federal and Tribal Agencies. The end goal is to help the wolves become capable of enduring threats and well as granting them long term survival. Through the protection of their habitat and population it is believed that eventually this will be done along with their removal from the list of threatened and endangered species.

What Can You Do?

         

You can help save the Mexican Wolves through many different ways! Here are a few:

1. Adopt a wolf: By symbolically adopting a wolf, your $125 donation will go towards work that fights anti–wolf extremism and it ensure a lasting future for wolves in their natural homes as well as secure a suitable habitat for them across the U.S.
2. Take Action: Call or send a message to an elected or regulatory official in order to spread the word that they must take action in passing the many laws that can help the survival of the wolves.
3. Become an Advocate For Wildlife: Every voice raised for defending wildlife matters! Spread the word through social media, communicating with elected officials, or just communicating these issues to your friends and family. 

Other Resources:

Want to take action for the sake of the wolves? Visit these additional resources:

• https://defenders.org/gray-wolf/what-you-can-do
• https://earthjustice.org/cases/2014/saving-the-endangered-mexican-gray-wolf
• http://www.endangered.org/mexican-gray-wolves-need-more-help/

Works Cited:

Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. “Mexican

Wolf (Canis Lupus Baileyi).” Species Profile for Mexican Wolf (Canis Lupus Ssp. Baileyi).

Society, National Geographic. “Mexican

Gray Wolf.” National Geographic Society, 9 Nov. 2012.

“Threats.” Mexican Gray Wolf, Defenders of

Wildlife, 8 Nov. 2013.

“Wolf Facts.” Official Web Page of the U S

Fish and Wildlife Service,

Polar Bear: Carolyn Inglis

Ice Ice Baby… Except for the Arctic: Carolyn Inglis

Polar Bears are not only a dangerous predator in the Arctic and Alaska, but a highly vulnerable species that can potentially become extinct within the lifetime of our children. Although they might look soft and cuddly, be warned these animals have a bite that tear through layers and layers of blubber for every meal. There are many reasons to why immediate action needs to be taken in the interest of conserving and restoring Polar Bears, the main reason is they’re just so cute!

Ecology of Polar Bears

Polar Bears generally stick to the shallow, ice-covered waters where currents and upwelling increasing biological productivity by bringing up the nutrient rich deep waters. Not only are these rich waters associated with the continental shelf, but the prey Polar Bears hunt thrives in these waters with the ice as a resting place. Generally Polar Bears are found in the Arctic and the inter-islands that surround the Arctic Basin, however that can also be found in Northern Alaska. For the Polar Bears who stay on year-long ice, they can hunt year-round, however for those who are on annual ice (ice that melts come summertime and warmer weather), when the ice thaws completely, the bears are forced to live on land and survive off fat stores during hibernation.

Polar Bears are a k-selected species with very small litter sizes, high maternal care, and a long adult life. They are among some of the slowest maturing and breeding mammals on earth with a pregnancy length from 195-26 days. The mothers spend most of their time in the snow dens they dig out for themselves and will generally give birth to two twin cubs, single cubs and triplets are less likely. When born the babies are almost hairless and blind until around 2 weeks old when they begin to develop and learn to use their sight. Baby Polar Bears are born to be under 1 pound, however gain 10-15 kilograms in around 5 months from feeding off their mother’s nutrient rich milk. As the carnivorous animal they are, it is very important for the mother to have a high fat storage by eating mainly seals and on occasion beluga whales or baby walruses as well as carcass from a variety of marine life. The rich milk of the mother is important to feed the babies to promote survival, as the mortality rate for Polar Bears within their first year of life is very high.

Geographic and Population Changes

Polar bear populations have been in decline for years, they were fist seen as potentially endangered around 2001. From 2001-2010 in Alaska and the Northwestern Territories Polar Bear populations have decreased 40%, from 1,500 to 900 in just 9 years. This rapid decline is mainly cause by the increase in earth’s climate leading to ice melting.

In attempt to regulate the polar bear populations and decline, the worldwide range where Polar Bears inhabited was broken into 19 subpopulations. These subpopulations are under the control of various countries. Because of these subpopulations Polar Bears have varying statuses within each region.

·       International: Vulnerable

·       Canada: Special Concern

·       Greenland / Denmark: Vulnerable

·       Norway: Vulnerable

·       Russia: Rare or recovering depending on population and region

·       United States: Threatened

Listing Date and Type of Listing

As of now Polar Bears are a vulnerable species. Because of the rapid decline of Arctic ice and steady increase of greenhouse gasses it is expected that Polar Bears will become critically endangered and that will lead to the extinction in the future. Polar Bears were officially listed as vulnerable on August 27, 2015 by the Fish and Wildlife Service and pulled up from least concern to vulnerable in 2013 by the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group.

Cause of Listing and Main Threats to Continues Existence

As the earth warms, the sea is crucial for the survival of Polar Bears melts. The steady and prominent increase in greenhouse gasses are causing this ice to melt and with it the hunting ground of Polar Bears. Polar Bears hitch rides on this ice in search for their next meal, they use it to capture their prey and migrate from ice shelves to ice shelves. With the increase of greenhouse gasses and water temperature also comes minimized prey, cold water animals are beginning to leave the now warmer cold waters of the arctic. This is also detrimental to the Polar Bears as they need lots of fatty and rich food to keep from starving.

Description of  Recovery Plan

There is a 6-step plan in the works for the Polar Bears according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Step 1 would be to ensure protection and conservation efforts globally through Range States relationships. Step 2 consists of Managing human-bear conflicts, which doesn’t have a huge impact on the polar bear populations, but as the curious animals’ meander into oil drilling sites, the workers have little choice. Step 3 is to attempt to collaboratively manage subsistence harvesting especially among the native people. Those people have been living among the bears for decades and have value affiliated with the bear for cultural traditions. They hunt Polar Bears for their meat and fur. The polar bear meat is considered sacred and the for is used for boots and coats for the natives. Although this is happening, it is heavily regulated and does not have a large impact on the overall population of the bears. Step 4 is to protect the denning habitat, i.e. the snow and ice. These shelters are critical for the survival of the polar bear babies and for their hibernation period. Step 5 is to minimize the risk of contamination from oil or any other kind of toxic spills as ice will absorb it and become like poison for the bears. Step 6 is to continue to monitor and research these animals to modernize the conservation techniques used.

What can you do?

Although it seems minimal, reducing your personal carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions will help. Walk to school, ride a bike to work, carpool. No matter how small these tasks seem, anything will help this bear. Another thing that could be done is to help educate the natives on the severity of this endangerment.

 

Other Resources

To contribute to the cause of conserving the amazing animals that are Polar Bears, there are ways to adopt them and donate that money to the cause! With a variety of packages available, it is made affordable to most. Some fun facts about Polar Bears is that their skin is actually black and their fur is transparent with a hollow core. It appears white because of the reflections from the snow and allows them to blend into their surroundings more. Polar Bears are an incredibly tough species enduring the harshest climate on earth, with their thick layer of blubber to keep them warm, they are prepared for anything (other than climate change).

Works Cited

Redlist, IUCN. “Ursus Maritimus .” Iucnredlist, IUCN, 3 Mar. 2017, www.iucnredlist.org/details/full/22823/0.

Garner, Rob. “Sea Ice Extent Sinks to Record Lows at Both Poles.” NASA, NASA, 21 Mar. 2017, www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/sea-ice-extent-sinks-to-record-lows-at-both-poles/.

Palmer, Jane. “Earth - Will Polar Bears Become Extinct?” BBC, BBC, 5 Nov. 2014, www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141107-will-polar-bears-become-extinct.

Williams, Margarett. “Polar Bear Population Decline a Wake up Call for Climate Change Action.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, 13 July 2017, www.worldwildlife.org/stories/polar-bear-population-decline-a-wake-up-call-for-climate-change-action.

Wildlife Service, Fish. “Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus).” Https://Ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/Profile/SpeciesProfile?Spcode=A0IJ, 2015, ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=A0IJ.

Wildlilife Fund, World. “Polar Bear.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, 7 Mar. 2018, www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear.

Meador, Ron. “Climate's Impact on Sea Ice Is Clear, but Consequences for Polar Bears Are Not.” Https://Www.minnpost.com/Earth-Journal/2015/05/Climates-Impact-Sea-Ice-Clear-Consequences-Polar-Bears-Are-Not, 13 May 2015, www.minnpost.com/earth-journal/2015/05/climates-impact-sea-ice-clear-consequences-polar-bears-are-not.

“Adopt a Polar Bear.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Polar-Bear.aspx?sc=AWY1800OQ18686A01324RX&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuP7UBRDiARIsAFpxiRJ2hHCPQW978KgVCzGcTZt83sBDl7ia126zLAtkk9JdbJkijf_zEMsaAt48EALw_wcB.

G, Victorija. “Cute Polar Bear Pictures.” Https://Www.boredpanda.com/Cute-Baby-Polar-Bear-Day-Photography/, 2014, www.boredpanda.com/cute-baby-polar-bear-day-photography/.

“Nat Geo Facts For Kids.” Https://Www.natgeokids.com/Uk/Discover/Animals/General-Animals/Polar-Bear-Facts/#!/Register, 21 Aug. 2012, www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/general-animals/polar-bear-facts/#!/register.

Fabricius, Karl. “How the Gulf Oil Spill COuld Save Polar Bears.” Http://Scribol.com/Environment/Oil-and-Gas/How-the-Gulf-Oil-Spill-Could-Save-the-Polar-Bear/, 13 May 2010, scribol.com/environment/oil-and-gas/how-the-gulf-oil-spill-could-save-the-polar-bear/.

Smith, Anna. “C2NN - Care2's Member-Powered News Network.” Stop Shell from Drilling the Arctic Ocean PETITION - Care2 News Network, 2009, www.care2.com/news/member/862450128/3869695.

Stevens, Matt. “Video of Starving Polar Bear 'Rips Your Heart Out of Your Chest'.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 11 Dec. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/12/11/world/canada/starving-polar-bear.html.

Meiden, Laura. “Climate Change to Cause Polar Bear Population Declines.” Shark Research & Conservation Program (SRC) | University of Miami, 16 Dec. 2015, sharkresearch.rsmas.miami.edu/conservation/climate-change-to-cause-polar-bear-population-declines.

Corbis, Paul. “As Sea Ice Shrinks, Can Polar Bears Survive on Land?” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 2 May 2016, news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/07/140717-polar-bears-goose-eggs-global-warming-arctic-environment/.