Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 51

photo-Tom Diez

wildlife conservation at the Pennsylvania
State University, University Park. "The more
biodiversity, the better. It helps every species in
the system work more efficiently."
Discovery of the Cope's Gray Treefrog
highlights the significance of the PARS
project, which is set to conclude in 2023. "It
is a comprehensive way for us to document
species including where species live and in what
abundance. It provides a database we can use to
monitor trends," said Urban.
Anyone can submit documentation of reptiles
and amphibians, ideally with photographs and/
or audio recordings, to PARS.
In the case of rare species, or a newly surfaced
species like the Cope's Gray Treefrog, scientists
will then investigate further. "Before you know it,
we will have a map," said Urban.
"About 9,000 entries have come in annually since
The Gray Treefrog looks identical to the Cope's Gray Treefrog, but these
PARS
was launched in 2013, although the number
frogs sound completely different in its mating calls.
was significantly down last spring-a season when
reptiles and amphibians are most active-because
counties that border Maryland. It is cool to know for sure
COVID-19 kept people from exploring. We are hoping to
that these frogs are here, because Cope's Gray Treefrogs are
make up for that going forward," said Urban.
a unique part of Pennsylvania fauna," said Urban.
"Discovery of the Cope's Gray Treefrog brings to 22
Although the abundance and distribution of
the number of different frog species known to exist
breeding populations needs to be studied, Urban
in Pennsylvania, but not all are faring well. That, too,
believes the Cope's Gray Treefrog exists in 10 counties
highlights the importance of participation in PARS,"
in Pennsylvania's southern tier. Currently, these
said Urban.
amphibians are considered a species of special concern
"We have concern about a lot of frogs. The chorus
in Pennsylvania.
frog has disappeared. It was common at one time.
The Cope's Gray Treefrog and the Gray Treefrog
Now, you cannot find it. It is the same with the Eastern
occupy the same niche habitat, in the tops of trees, and
Cricket Frog. It went endangered 10 years ago, because
come to ground just once a year, primarily in June, to
it is only in two or three places now. It used to be in 30
mate. "That is when you will hear the calls. In the Cope's
to 40," said Urban.
Gray Treefrog, it is a fast staccato trill. In the Gray
While loss of habitat is often a major factor, viruses,
Treefrog, it is slower," said Urban.
pathogens, land use, climate change, and other
"Where Cope's Gray Treefrogs live in abundance, its
influences also come into play.
chorus can be 'deafening' during mating season," said Urban.
Avery emphasized the importance of not moving
Both species lay eggs around vernal pools and ponds.
animals from one location to another for a variety of
"The eggs hatch in 50 to 90 days, depending on spring
reasons including to prevent the spread of disease.
temperatures. In cooler years, it takes the full 90 days.
"When you move a frog or turtle, you are also moving
Tadpoles live in the water until legs are grown. Then,
viruses and fungi. It is the worst thing you can do,"
frogs climb up into the trees," said Urban.
said Avery. "It is important to leave animals in place, in
The frogs' suction-like pads enable it to scale vertical
nature, where they belong."
surfaces. Its skin-lime green with lichen patterns-
For more about PARS, including how to submit an
provides camouflage. "Cope's Gray Treefrogs are gorgeous,
observation, visit www.paherpsurvey.org.
and have a chameleon ability to blend in," said Urban.
The frogs feed on whatever insects are available,
stalking moths, ants, spiders, and other bugs until it is
ready to make its move. "These frogs stare, and then all of
a sudden, pounce," said Urban.
By the same token, the frogs are prey for any number of
other animals, from snakes to birds.
"That cycle of life benefits the entire ecosystem,"
said Julian Avery, associate research professor of
Gray Treefrog

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