Species Conclusion and My Plan

The Pine Barrens Treefrog stand out from other species of treefrogs. Their unique coloration and mating habits make them a distinct species. Fifty years ago, the Pine Barren Treefrog could be found in more than just three isolated areas on the east coast. Clearly, the population has and continues to decrease. I think it is important that individual states act in order to protect this species. New Jersey has gone to great measures to protect the Treefrog habitat because it holds such a large percentage of the population. I think states like S/N Carolina and Alabama need to follow in the footsteps of New Jersey. While there are only three populations left, it is imperative we keep them safe from habitat destruction. Industrial development is threatening the PBTF habitat. State Wildlife Departments need to ensure that construction and building does not occur within the habitat of the frogs. Chances are, there are other endangered or threatened species within that habitat too. I feel confident that states like New Jersey are taking the right steps in protecting the Pine Barrens Treefrog. While it may not be well known or visible, it's a fascinating species that deserves protection.

Endangerment Status

The Pine Barrens Treefrog is considered an endangered species for several reasons. The first is their limited population. The PBTF is only found in three areas of the world: The Jersey Pinelands, North and South Carolina, and the Alabama Florida border. The IUCN species survival commission is unsure of the total population of the Pine Barrens Treefrog. At the same time, they believe the population is currently stable, but will begin to decrease slowly over time. In New Jersey, the PBTF's habitat is well protected by the state. Because the pineland area has a thin, sandy soil, it adheres to the affects of outside development. Urban runoff from building and development outside the pinelands is slowly changing the composition of the water and soil of the pinelands. Forest fires in the Carolinas and Alabama has also affected the plant population that is part of the Pine Barren's diet. Another aspect of habitat destruction is occuring all along wetlands on the east coast. Many Pine Barren Treefrogs live in small, acidic bogs, swamps, and streams. These streams are drying up which results in habitat loss for the species. Overall, habitat destruction is the main issue that have made Pine Barren Treefrogs endangered.

We know where they live, but where do they live?

The Pine Barrens Treefrog is a staple of the New jersey Pinelands. The state of New Jersey has worked to protect this area which has helped this endagered species stay un-threatened. They can also be found in very isolated populations within South North Carolina and notrthern South Carolina. In addition, small populations are living in Alabama and south-central Florida. However, the majority of the PBTF population lives in the Jersey Pinelands. Sightings have been reported of the PBTF in neighboring states like Georgia. This is a rare occurence and does not mean the PBTF is moving from it's dominant geographic habitats.

Habitat, Home, Humanity...

You won't find the PBTF in a busy stream occupied by fish and other marine species. They can be found in wet, moist areas that include: small streams, ponds, bogs, swamps, pinelands, dryland pits, and ditches. They breed in small bodies of water that are acidic. A greater percentage of the PBTF population is protected by the State of New Jersey in the New Jersey Pinelands. The PBTF are rare to the human eye because they are nocturnal. They can also be found in small trees and ground shrubs along with marien vegitation like lilly pads.

What exactly is a Pine Barren Tree Frog

You've seen the site, clicked on the links, and watched the videos. Now, it is time to learn more. Strait out of the class, Amphibia, the Pine Barrens Tree Frog is often identified by it's bright green body. Bold white and yellow spots can also be found periodically on the hips and torso of this species. Under it's belly, the Treefrog has bold orange and yellow coloring that is visible when the frog jumps and stretches it's torso. Male Treefrogs have hintings of purple too. The average Pine Barren can range anywhere from 1 to 1.75 inches tall. Tree Frogs can navigate woodlands and wetlands because of their suction-cup like fingers and toes. They are extremely agile and move through a series of hops and jumps. Their mating call is a loud, terse honking sound that can be heard from late spring to mid-summer. The honks continue in rapid recession in order for groups of males to attract females, who then chose out of the group. Frog specialists can distinguish the Pine Barren from other frogs because of it's coloring and slender facial structure. When a PB is born, it is a herbivore eating algae, fungi, and small plants. As the PB matures, it can eat small insect invertebraes. The average PBTF will live to be about five years old. This concludes the basic description of the Pine Barrens Treefrog.