There are five species of amphibians that are known to occur in Rocky Mountain National Park. They are all considered species of concern due to apparent low numbers, lack of information about their status, and/or declining population trends. The boreal toad population in the park is "at risk" because of a precipitous population decline since 1996. Although unlikely, extirpation of the boreal toad from Rocky Mountain National Park is possible. The boreal toad has been on Colorado's endangered species list since November 1993 and on the federal government's "warranted but precluded" list since March 1995. Currently the park, in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the USGS Biological Resources Division, is actively involved in a recovery program for the Boreal Toad and a population study of all other amphibians.

Amphibians and Reptiles Reported from Rocky Mountain National Park

Common Name

Scientific Name

Picture

Tiger salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum

Courtesy NPS

Boreal or Western toad

Bufo boreas

Courtesy NPS

Western chorus frog

Pseudacris triseriata

Courtesy NPS

Northern Leopard frog (historic)

Rana pipiens

Courtesy NPS

Wood frog

Rana sylvatica

Courtesy NPS

Western terrestrial garter snake

Thamnophis elegans