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Biota
Lithobates okaloosae
EOL Text
Not much information is available on Lithobates okaloosae, because it is limited to one small geographic location, and it is very rare. "Our knowledge of this species is currently limited to distribution, seasonality, and some aspects of larval life history" (Moler, 1992).
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2013, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lithobates_okaloosae/ |
Calling has been heard from mid-April to mid-September; lays eggs probably from April through August; larvae apparently overwinter prior to metamorphosis (Moler 1985, 1992).
The snout-vent length of males is between 34.8 and 45.8 mm and that of females is between 38.2 and 49.8 mm. R. okaloossae is characterized by an unspotted dorsum, distinct dorsolateral folds that do not reach the groin, and reduced webbing of the feet, with at least three phalanges of the 4th toe being free of webbing and at least two phalanges of all other toes being free. In males, vocal sacs are internal.
R. okaloossae has an advertisement call made up of a series of 3-21 guttural "chucks" issued at approximately 5 notes per second, but slowing at the end of the call. Between calls, males periodically issue single softer notes, especially as a response to the presence of other males calling nearby.
- Moler, P. E. (1963). ''Rana okaloosae (Moler). Florida Bog Frog.'' Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, 561.1-561.3.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | See http://www.amphibiaweb.org/datause.html. |
Source | http://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Rana&where-species=okaloosae&account=amphibiaweb |
This species lives in or near shallow, nonstagnant seeps with somewhat acidic water (pH 4.1-5.5). It's also found along shallow, boggy overflows of larger seepage streams. It is often associated with black titi and Atlantic white cedar.
Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial ; freshwater
Terrestrial Biomes: forest
Aquatic Biomes: rivers and streams
Wetlands: bog
Other Habitat Features: riparian
- Moler, P. 1985. A new species of frog (Ranidae:Rana) from northwestern Florida.. Copeia, 1985(2): 379-383.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2013, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lithobates_okaloosae/ |
In "Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida," Moler describes Lithobates okaloosae as rare. This species was discovered in 1982 by Paul Moler, and has been located at only 23 sites, associated with small, cool, clear seepage streams. Three of these localities are based only on single specimens, so these sites probably don't support viable populations.
Residential developments in the areas where the frog lives convert streams into chains of lakes (through a series of dams). This poses a threat to Florida's Bog Frog habitats. So, it is important that the streams where the frogs live are protected (this can be done through the management of streamside vegetation).
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2013, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lithobates_okaloosae/ |
This is very rare species of frog. Lithobates okaloosae is found in only a small area of western Florida (Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties). It is "associated with small tributary streams of East Bay, Shoal, and Yellow rivers."
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
- Moler, P. 1993. Rana okaloosae Moler Florida Bog Frog. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles: 561.1-561.3.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | ©1995-2013, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors |
Source | http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lithobates_okaloosae/ |
Habitat and Ecology
Systems
- Terrestrial
- Freshwater
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
Source | http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/58684 |
Red List Criteria
Version
Year Assessed
- Needs updating
Assessor/s
Reviewer/s
Contributor/s
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
Source | http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/58684 |
This species is endemic to Yellow and East Bay river drainages in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, Florida, USA (Moler 1993). Its area of occupancy might be less than 20km. It has an elevation of 3-55m asl.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
Source | http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/58684 |