Be a boreal toad hero through community science and direct action

Boreal Toad (aka: Anaxyrus boreas boreas)
Status: Colorado Endangered Species
Fun Fact: A probiotic bath for tadpoles called “Purple Rain” strengthens their skin microbiome, providing resistance to the chytrid fungus

Boreal toads inhabit a variety of high-altitude wet habitats – such as marshes, wet meadows, streams, beaver ponds, glacial kettle ponds, and subalpine forest lakes- at altitudes primarily between 8,000-11,500 feet. They are Colorado’s only alpine amphibian and an indicator of the environmental health of our mountain streams and wetlands.

In the past two decades, 168 known amphibian species on the planet have gone extinct. One-third of the world’s amphibians are considered threatened, and almost half of all species are declining. The causes for recent amphibian declines are many, but an emerging disease called chytrid fungus and global climate change are thought the be the biggest threats to amphibians. Here in the southern Rocky Mountain region, boreal toads, once a common member of our alpine ecosystems, are estimated to occupy just 1% of their historical breeding areas.

Partners

A huge thank you to our Get Hopping for Boreal Toad partners:

Here are just some things you can do to be a boreal toad hero:

Read:

For Adults:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Boreal Toad webpage
“Behind the Boreal Toad Project,” by Denver Zoo
“Denver Zoo, CPW release endangered toads,” by Denver Zoo

For Kids:

Kiddle’s Boreal toad facts for kids

Do:

For Adults:

Take action with Wilderness Workshop to protect fen wetlands! Did you know that wetlands cover less than 3% of Colorado, yet they support up to 80% of all wildlife species at some point in their lives? According to Colorado Natural Heritage Program’s The State of Colorado’s Biodiversity report, wetlands host more at-risk wildlife species than any other habitat type, including the endangered boreal toad. This is one of the many reasons why Wilderness Workshop is working to protect a rare type of old-growth wetland called a fen. Fens play a crucial role in climate resilience and are renowned as biodiversity hotspots. These wetlands take thousands of years to form and are impossible to restore to their original condition once damaged. They can quickly go from being a carbon sink to carbon source – making them an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. Despite their ecological significance, fens lack the federal protections needed to remain intact and healthy in the face of threats including new dams, grazing, pollution, and other human disturbances. Join Wilderness Workshop and our partners at Wild Earth Guardians in calling on the Forest Service to provide stronger protections for fens – add your name to our petition today!
Join Team Toad! Colorado’s boreal toads are in trouble. As deadly chytrid fungus continues to spread from wetland to wetland, they need our help if they’re going to survive. To save the boreal toad, we need to understand how it’s doing in Colorado, and that’s where you come in! In the summer months, volunteer community scientists play a key role in boreal toad conservation by monitoring historic toad habitat. This data will help by identifying future sites for wild reintroduction and locating unknown populations (potentially even ‘super-toads’ that may have natural resistance to chytrid fungus).
Register for Project-Based Learning: Boreal Toad, June 20-21, July 17-18, or July 26-27. This behind-the-scenes opportunity gives you access to Denver Zoo conservation experts, connections to content for your classroom, daily breakfast and lunch and opportunities to brainstorm and network with fellow educators.
Purchase a Boreal Toad sticker, shirt, cup, or other goodies to support Rocky Mountain Wild’s work!

For Kids:

Join Team Toad! Colorado’s boreal toads are in trouble. As deadly chytrid fungus continues to spread from wetland to wetland, they need our help if they’re going to survive. To save the boreal toad, we need to understand how it’s doing in Colorado, and that’s where you come in! In the summer months, volunteer community scientists play a key role in boreal toad conservation by monitoring historic toad habitat. This data will help by identifying future sites for wild reintroduction and locating unknown populations (potentially even ‘super-toads’ that may have natural resistance to chytrid fungus).
Check out Kristy’s tutorials on how to use face paint to transform into a boreal toad! Kristy created two looks to help you get inspired. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the tutorial. Consider sending your finished face to Chris and we’ll post it on our social media.
Color our boreal toad coloring page and send to Chris