Native Utah Toad Reintroduction
Western Toad Project
The western toad is considered a species of concern in Utah because it has a limited range and is facing population declines due to the arrival of chytrid fungus. To address this issue, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is collaborating with various organizations such as the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Wahweap Warmwater Fish Hatchery, Wild Utah Project, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to conserve this sensitive species throughout its native range.
As part of this partnership, the Aquarium has maintained a reserve population of western toads for nearly two decades as assurance against local extinction. Along with this, reproduction in managed care efforts produce baby toads that may be released into the wild to enhance native populations. These toads may also be sent to partner institutions to support other reserve populations.
For updates on the project, click here.
Development Stages and Growth of Western Toads
North American River Otter Surveys
In early 2023, the scope of our river surveys for North American river otter sightings in Utah expanded to include the Strawberry River. However, this survey had to be shortened due to the lingering effects of the previous winter’s heavy snowpack, which hindered the installation of cameras by our dedicated volunteers. No otters were seen along the surveyed rivers, however, our cameras did capture a juvenile black bear eating berries. These sightings provide invaluable data to the Utah Division of Wildlife, significantly enhancing their capacity to monitor animal migrations, assess group sizes, and identify potential health concerns within the species. We will continue to survey the Strawberry River in 2024.
In the summer of 2023, Weber State University enthusiastically joined our endeavor, contributing their expertise to the collection and analysis of countless hours of video recordings. We are excited to continue this partnership in 2024 to expand the project to additional rivers.
In November 2023, we obtained approval for surveys encompassing the area around Utah Lake. We are excited to begin this new chapter in our ongoing efforts to study and conserve Utah’s otters.
Species Survival Plans
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium collaborates with zoos and aquariums around the country to ensure the survival of threatened and endangered animals as part of several Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs as administered by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). SSPs are conservation and cooperative breeding programs that help maintain genetic diversity and stabilize the population of specific species. The Aquarium is home to several SSP programs for various animals from around the globe.
