Illinois chorus frog
| Illinois chorus frog | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Pseudacris |
| Species: | P. illinoensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudacris illinoensis Smith, 1951 | |
The Illinois chorus frog, Pseudacris illinoensis, is a species of chorus frog that lives in scattered, restricted habitat ecosystems in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. It was published by Smith in 1951. Its lifecycle is little known, its isolated populations are increasingly restricted by agricultural drainage, and it is listed as a threatened subspecies.[1] It is often referred to as a subspecies of P. streckeri. Collins [2] recognized it as its own species which was followed by ASW6.0[3] and Amphibiaweb[4] on the basis of its diagnosability from Pseudacris streckeri and its allopatry. The IUCNredlist 2013.2 has not incorporated this taxonomic split.[5]
Description
The Illinois chorus frog, a wetland amphibian, grows to a maximum length of 1.5 inches (3.7 cm). Its range is restricted to isolated sandy wetlands along the banks of the Mississippi River and a major tributary, the Illinois River.[1]
Its lifecycle begins with the mating season beginning in late February and continuing until late April, when the small amphibian signals its aptitude with a version of the distinctive cry that gives its genus its name. The breeding call can be heard at a distance of up to 1 mile (1.6 km). The pools of spring meltwater, where they live and eat, begin to dry up as early as mid-May, and the frogs disappear into hibernation below the winter frost line. Herpetologists say that the subspecies' unique anatomy makes its members ideal candidates for a life cycle that centers on hibernation. With unusually strong forelegs for its size, the Illinois chorus frog is described as the only frog that uses a breast stroke motion to dig its sandy burrows.[1]
Threats
The Illinois chorus frogs' preferred habitat in Arkansas includes the patch of sandy wetland soil surrounding Stuttgart, Arkansas where rice is grown. However, the invention of laser land-levelling, and its use by rice paddy operators, has eliminated 61% of the subspecies' range in this southern state.[1]
Current events
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources carried out a field study of the Illinois chorus frog's habitat in Mason County, Illinois, in March 2011. The study hoped to develop a methodological protocol to monitor the Illinois chorus frog's threatened population.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jeanne Townsend Handy, "The Secret Life of the Illinois Chorus Frog", Outdoor Illinois XIX:3 (March 2011), pages 9-11.
- ↑ Collins, J. T. 1997. Standard common and current scientific names for North American amphibians and reptiles. Fourth edition. Herpetological Circular 25: 1–40.
- ↑ "Amphibian Species of the World 6.0". Retrieved 2014-06-04.
- ↑ "AmphibiaWeb". Retrieved 2014-06-04.
- ↑ "IUCNredlist 2013.2". Retrieved 2014-06-04.
- ↑ Chris Young, "Researchers listen for chorus frogs", The State Journal-Register (March 28, 2011), pages 8, 12.