Amphibians and Reptiles

There are four 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 Parks and 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
Boreal chorus frog	Pseudacris maculata	Courtesy NPS
Wood frog	Rana sylvatica	Courtesy NPS
Western terrestrial garter snake	Thamnophis elegans	Courtesy NPS

Last updated 10/8/2004