New Jersey Chorus Frog

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

This species occurs within New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania, and the Delmarva Peninsula of eastern Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In New Jersey, it can be found primarily within the southern and eastern portions of the state, though not as common in the core Pinelands. The upland chorus frog is more often found in the northwestern portion of the state.

Habitat for this species includes various moist habitats, including grassy floodplains and wet woodlands containing shallow wetlands (marshes, ditches, swamps, or vernal pools).

DIET

Larvae will feed within the water on suspended organic debris, algae, and plant tissue. Adult frogs feed on small invertebrates.

LIFE CYCLE

Breeding begins in late winter and continues through June. Eggs are attached to submerged vegetation within shallow water in ponds, marshes, ditches, slow streams, or vernal pools where the larvae then develop. The aquatic larvae metamorphose in late spring.

CURRENT STATUS, THREATS, AND CONSERVATION

Although this species can be found throughout New Jersey, their population has been declining and needs to be monitored. The greatest threat to this species is loss or destruction of habitat. In 2016, due to population declines and habitat loss, the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Advisory Committee recommended a Special Concern status for this species within the state, but no formal rule proposal has been filed to date.

HOW TO HELP

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program would like for individuals to report their sightings of NJ chorus frogs. Record the date, time, location, and condition of the animal and submit the information by submitting a Sighting Report Form. The information will be entered into the state’s natural heritage program, commonly referred to as Biotics. Biologists map the sighting and the resulting maps “allow state, county, municipal, and private agencies to identify important wildlife habitats and protect them in a variety of ways. This information is used to regulate land-use within the state and assists in preserving endangered and threatened species habitat remaining in New Jersey.”

Text written by Michael J. Davenport in 2016.