MML News.com - Red-legged Frogs, Western Pond Turtles and Bighorn Sheep Return To Yosemite

westernwatersheds.org

Yosemite National Park, CA — After 50 years, two more once-prevalent species are now being reintroduced in to their natural habitats within Yosemite Valley.

Joining a flock of Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, which last March were released in Yosemite National Park, as reported here, are California Red-legged Frogs and Western Pond Turtles. Releases are underway and will continue over the next three years into suitable lake, river and meadow habitats.

The program is part of a multi-agency effort by the National Park Service (NPS), San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, the Yosemite Conservancy, US Fish & Wildlife, State Fish & Wildlife, and NatureBridge, which includes a new permanent frog and turtle breeding center at the zoo. Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher calls the undertaking a landmark event as well as a historic opportunity to reestablish species that contribute to a healthy park ecosystem. The decline of both species can be traced to past actions now viewed as mistakes that have since been corrected through environmental restoration, according to park officials. ...

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