Small frog, Big worries.
 At only 3.7 cm in length, the Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is unquestionably one of our smallest species of frog. Formerly, the species was common and was found throughout south-western portion of the province. Today, it is found in only a few isolated areas of the Montérégie and Outaouais regions. The marked decline seen in certain populations in these two regions was considered quite worrisome and led to the species being listed as vulnerable in Quebec in the year 2000. It is likely that the species will be designated as threatened in the near future given the continued loss of habitat seen each year.
As a species that uses temporary ponds to breed it is particularly sensitive to changes, fragmentation or destruction of its habitat. The filling and draining of wetlands due to urban sprawl are among the most important causes of habitat loss for the species. In the Montérégie region, it is estimated that the species occupies only 10% of the territory where it was once found. It is also estimated that 15% of the habitats identified in 2004 have since been destroyed. In the Outaouais region the situation is no better as 30% of ponds have disappeared in recent years.
Given these facts and the urgency of the situation, the Ecomuseum zoo, the Biodome de Montreal and the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune have joined forces to develop a captive breeding program for the species. The project aims to develop the method of rearing, hibernation and reproduction of the species in captivity. Far from being a solution to the problems that currently plague the Western Chorus Frog, with this approach we hope to develop a management tool that can be applied should the need arise. In essence, this is a lifeline to be used as a last resort. With the current rate of habitat loss for this tree frog, we are fast approaching this state of emergency.
The Ecomuseum zoo is proud to be associated with each of its partners active in the protection of the Western Chorus Frog.
Partners:
- Montréal Biodôme
- Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF)
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Research & Conservation 
