The boreal toad is an endangered species in the state of Colorado and is just one of many amphibians whose numbers are dramatically declining. This alarming trend prompts many questions and actions. The high mountains of Colorado are known for their world class downhill skiing. What impact development will have on the boreal toad's recovery is not fully known. So far, developers give a 100 foot easement surrounding a pond or lake where toads have been found.
Research has to provide the needed information.
According to Dr. Muths, it will take 5 or more years of field work. Following the field work, there is a good deal of time to be put into the data analysis and writing before finally submitting a manuscript to be published. It will take at least seven years to get the information published that will document the specific needs of toads so their habitat can be adequately protected. The lakes where Dr. Muths is now conducting research are high mountain lakes, seemingly pristine, but even populations there are declining. Identifying Individual Toads PIT tags are very small tags used for identifying individual toads.