Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica)
As I was walking in the yard here at RTPI, I came across this little Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) making its way from our front walkway to the grassy lawn. Recently metamorphosed, this frog was no bigger than my thumb and was likely on the hunt for some protein packed invertebrates to snack on as it prepares for the cooler months ahead.
Read MoreHellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
As September nears we’re busy nonstop in the office and the field seven days a week but, in the back of our minds, we’re all thinking about Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) season and the survey work to be done in the coming weeks. Those rocks won’t flip themselves…
Read MoreNorthern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
Earlier this week while I was getting pictures of grasses, sedges and rushes for my upcoming program at Jamestown Audubon Society, I came across this little frog that was trying to be as still as possible, utilizing a simple but strategic antipredator behavior. Rana pipiens, commonly known as the Northern Leopard Frog, is one of many species that frequents New York’s grassland areas near ponds and marshes and can easily hide itself in the tall grasses during the summer months. To learn more about the species that benefit from our local grasslands, don’t miss the program coming up...
Read MoreNorthern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
On our recent trip to Rim Rock Overlook on the Allegheny National Forest, we surveyed around the rocks and under the rocks (the small ones of course) to see what life we might come across. While walking through the rocky forest, our rock flipping efforts revealed a young Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), a salamander that truly lives up to its name and can get you into a rather sticky situation! When handled or harassed, Slimy Salamanders will secrete a glue-like mucus from their skin that is difficult for humans to remove and often deters predators from attempting to eat...
Read MoreSpring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
One of the last amphibious babies in Twan’s tanks takes what he calls “the reverse plunge” – this Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) is about ready to go! Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project.
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