AUTHORS: Jeffrey T. Briggler, Missouri Department of Conservation
ABSTRACT: Crawfish Frogs are a grassland-dependent species that historically occurred throughout former native prairie habitats in northcentral and southwestern Missouri. This decline of this species of conservation concern has been primarily linked to the destruction of upland grasslands where individuals spend most of the year inhabiting crayfish burrows, and the draining of seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands where they breed during late winter and early spring. Overview of their status, distribution, and threats in Missouri will be discussed. In addition, conservation efforts, such as population surveys, land acquisitions and conversions, wetland constructions, and reintroductions will be highlighted. With increased efforts to establish a collaborative network to focus on the recovery of this at-risk grassland species, the snoring call of the Crawfish Frog will continue to be heard for future generations.
