Order Anura Higher classification Rana | Phylum Chordata Family Ranidae Scientific name Rana capito Rank Species | |
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Similar Frog, Amphibians, Crawfish frog, Gopher tortoise, Lithobates | ||
The gopher frog (Lithobates capito) is a species of frog in the Ranidae family, endemic to the Southeastern United States. It primarily inhabits the threatened sandhill communities, flatwoods, and scrub in the Atlantic coastal plain, where it is usually found near ponds.
Contents
Gator pond gopher frog
Subspecies
Its two subspecies include the Carolina gopher frog (L. c. capito), and Florida gopher frog (L. c. aesopus). The dusky gopher frog (L. sevosus) had previously been considered a subspecies, but was elevated to species status in 2001.
Conservation status
Its primary threats include loss of habitat and fire suppression. It is entirely dependent upon small vernal pools for its annual reproduction. These pools in pine flatwoods are being lost to development, and to fire suppression, which allows forests to invade the natural savanna habitat. Hence, prescribed burns and habitat acquisition are considered key management strategies for its survival.
