In all, red-leggeds have lost more than 75 percent of their habitat, Jennings says. Significant populations remain in the East Bay, says Joe DiDonato, wildlife specialist for the East Bay Regional Park District. The frogs inhabit cattle ponds on private grazing lands, and some of the district's Contra Costa and Alameda county parks. One such pond in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve teems with life even under burning, 100-degree summer heat. Thousands of colorful dragonflies buzz over the murky brown water.
Tadpoles swim near the shore.
Up to four species of frogs hide among the cattails. Several golden eagles roost in nearby trees. There are ponds like this all across the district. One by one, workers are fencing off park ponds to keep cows and people away, DiDonato says. Water flows through pipes to troughs outside the fences, where cattle and other animals can drink.