Headstarting program gives endangered amphibians, reptiles a boost

A national nonprofit is leading the charge in one of the largest amphibian and reptile headstarting efforts in the U.S. The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC) began the effort earlier this year to help conserve a number of species, many of which are close to extinction. “Headstarting isn’t a new technique, but ARC is taking it to an entirely new level,” said the organization’s executive director, JJ Apodaca. “In the most comprehensive effort of its kind, we’re targeting multiple critically imperiled species simultaneously while also tackling the root causes of their declines.” The organization will be raising in captivity species, including the federally threatened bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis), federally endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) and others. Then, they will release them back into the wild to bolster populations.

Read more from ARC.