Www Livezenra En Stub The Live Zenra ADW: Rana chiricahuensis: Information

Presently, Chiricahua leopard frogs inhabit two known ranges. One extends from central Arizona along the Mogollon Rim to western New Mexico.

The other range is from the montane section of southeastern Arizona adjacent to Sonora to the southwest corner of New Mexico and parts of Mexico, including the Sierra Madre, northern Durango, and Chihuahua. (Platz and Mecham, 1979; Southwest Center Species Database, 2003)

Biogeographic Regions:
nearctic (native ).

Permanent aquatic habitats with well-oxygenated water and aquatic vegetation are necessary for the survival of this species. It usually occurs at altitudes of 1,000-2,600 m. Rana chiricahuensis inhabits a wide variety of springs, streams, lakes, and ponds, as well as man-made habitats. The Nature Conservatory's Mimbres River Preserve is currently the home of one of the largest populations of this species. (Southwest Center Species Database, 2003; The Nature Conservatory, 2004)

These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
temperate ; terrestrial ; freshwater .

Aquatic Biomes:
lakes and ponds; rivers and streams.

These frogs are similar in appearance to a small, extremely stocky bullfrogs with spots. They are olive to dark green in color, with charcoal spots. The groin features a yellowish pigmentation which may extend onto the posterior and abdomen. Rana chiricahuensis reaches a maximum size of 50-135 mm, with males generally smaller than females. Tadpoles are small and dark-colored. (Platz and Mecham, 1979)

Some key physical features:
ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry .

Sexual dimorphism: female larger.

Eggs form clumped, spherical masses which are usually suspended on the surface of water, or on vegetation growing in water. Tadpoles undergo metamorphosis 2-9 months after hatching. After metamorphosis, sexual maturity is reached in 2-3 years. This species can live up 14 years in the wild. (Platz and Mecham, 1979; Southwest Center Species Database, 2003; The Nature Conservatory, 2004)

Special features of growth:
metamorphosis .

These frogs can live up to 14 years in the wild.

Being quite shy, these frogs will dive toward the deepest areas of their habitat when disturbed. This species is preyed upon by bullfrogs and predatory fish.