Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Wyoming
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Wyoming contains the most disjunct populations of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) in the species’ North American range. A glacial relict species, the Wood Frog occurs as two isolated populations in Wyoming, including one in the Medicine Bow Range. Because of their limited distribution, isolation, and lack of data on habitat use and population status, the Wood Frog is listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Wyoming State Wildlife Action Plan. In addition, the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) responsible for the chytridiomycosis disease and amphibian declines and extirpations worldwide is present in the Medicine Bow, rendering information about ideal habitat characteristics necessary and timely. The main project cooperator is the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, with cooperation and assistance from the Medicine Bow National Forest.