Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Amphibians

The Santa Monica Mountains contain habitat for eleven species of amphibians, including five salamanders and six (two introduced) frogs or toads. Two other species often listed for the Santa Monica Mountains, the arroyo toad (Bufo microscaphus and the western spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi), occur nearby but no historical records exist for their occurrence and no populations have been found in the SMMNRA. And until recently, the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytoni ) was considered extirpated.

The California toad (Bufo boreas) and Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) are relatively common. Other amphibian species are suffering declines, including California newts (Taricha torosa) and California treefrogs (Hyla cadaverina), as a result of predation by exotic species, habitat loss, and likely other factors (e.g. U.V. radiation). In general, the decline of amphibian populations in the Santa Monica Mountains has become a top priority concern.