For the past several years Acterra has drained the small pond above Arastradero Lake. We do this to break the life cycle of the invasive bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana)
that inhabit the pond. These large and voracious frogs were introduced to California in the late 1800s to replace the almost obliterated populations of native red legged frogs (Rana aurora), consumed
to near extinction by settlers. Indeed, red legged frogs are the same amphibious athletes made famous by Mark Twain in his famous story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County."
Initially there were thousands of the pesky bullfrogs in the pond. Last year there were only a few. By disrupting their two-year journey from tadpole to adult we have significantly reduced their impact
on the pond's community. This newfound space is good for native species like the California newt (Taricha torosa), Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla), and western toad (Bufo boreas),
which already breed in the pond. Our bigger dream is to see the return of the native red legged frogs who live downstream in Matadero Creek.
To really make a comeback, the red leggeds will need us to drain the large lake as well, and to remain vigilant in our work to keep the bullfrogs out. Over the next few years we plan to continue draining
Sobey Pond and seek funding and permits to drain Arastradero Lake. Given time and good fortune, we'll one day have our own native frog jumping contest!
–David Smernoff
published 29-Mar-2004
|
Arastradero Home
![[caption] Chief Steward David "Tex" Houston (above left, with Peter Drekmeier) shows off a prime catch: an adult bullfrog netted while draining the pond. Right: Hundreds of bullfrog tadpoles.](_im/Sobey_bullfrog.jpg)
![[caption] Not all frogs are good frogs. Acterra's stewards drain Sobey Pond at Arastradero Preserve each year in an attempt to remove the invasive bullfrog species that preys on the indigenous red legged frog, Pacific tree frog, and California newt.](_im/Sobey_tadpoles.jpg)
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/