All About Western Toads

The western (boreal) toad was once common across Utah, but has experienced serious population declines over the past two decades. Utah’s guiding document for managing wildlife in Utah, the Wildlife Action Plan⭧, lists the western toad as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and the U.S. Forest Service lists it as sensitive. Primary threats to western toads, which are adapted to mountain habitats, include:

Chytrid fungus

Habitat disturbance

Pollution

Development/urban expansion

Drought

Climate change

Western Toad Monitoring

Recovery for the western toad is hampered by a lack of key data on this species and its habitats. Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Geological Survey, and the U.S. Forest Service, established a partnership to help fill these data gaps. Since 2014, Hogle Zoo and partners have monitored western toad populations and other amphibians in sensitive wetland habitats.

As sites are monitored across the state, survey teams track species presence and distribution, identify breeding populations, monitor habitat change, and protect critical wetlands. Surveys occur from May to August and vary from day trips to multi-day camping trips in remote settings.

Community scientists collect information about amphibian eggs, tadpoles, and adults and measure water quality. Management agencies use these data to understand amphibian habitats better and conserve them.

Join Us

Field Season: May – August

Volunteer Commitment Level: Flexible and varies, depending on interest. You may survey sites independently or accompany biologists on single-day surveys locally or multi-day camping trips.

Communications: Periodic email updates throughout the season.

Resources: Western Toad Surveyor Packet

In-person Training:

Join us for an in-person training event on April 18, 9 AM- noon, or April 23, 6-8 PM. The same content will be covered at each training event, attendance is only required at one training event.

Click HERE⭧ to register for April 18

Click HERE⭧ to register for April 23

For independent surveyors, pick a survey site (any pond, lake, or wetland above 7,000ft-see suggested areas shown on map) and check-out a toad backpack from our main entrance ticket office before heading out! These backpacks have everything you need to successfully complete your amphibian habitat assessment but are not absolutely required. But wait, before you go! While still in service, download the ArcGIS Survey123 app (download for iOS/Android). This is how you will submit your data.

Once downloaded, you do not need to create an account. Select “Continue without signing in”
In the search bar, press the QR code icon to scan this QR code. You may also tap this QR code if you are on a mobile device.

The Independent Amphibian Habitat Assessment Form will now be downloaded to your device and you can use it anytime without needing to download it again.
Visit your site and complete this form, once finished if you have service, you can send your data. If out of service, save it to your outbox and remember to send it once you are back in service.