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Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
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Occuring only in the bluegrass region of the state is the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. This medium sized frog ranges from 3 to 4 inches in length.
This frog can be distinguished from its cousin, the southern leopard frog, by the spot located on the tip of the northern leopard frogs' nose. This species is of great concern to biologists
because of population declines in Kentucky |
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and in other states. Mutations among populations of northern leopard frogs have been reported from 33 states. To date, it has not been determined why this species is in
peril. The males congregate in shallow swamps and ponds around the middle of March and breeding taskes place through the end of March and early April. The call, a long, deep rattling snore
interspersed with clucking grunts, does not carry far and is sometimes difficult to hear if other frogs are calling from the same body of water. This species is sometimes referred to as a "meadow
frog" because of its habit of ranging far from water in the summer.
Special thanks to WKU
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