07/01/09

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says a
spotted frog that lives in 19 Western states may need endangered
species protections.

Eight environmental groups petitioned the federal government in
2006 to protect the western population of the northern leopard
frog.

The federal agency said Wednesday the frog has disappeared
across vast portions of its historic range in the West and parts of
Canada. Officials say the frog is threatened by habitat loss,
disease, nonnative species, pollution and climate change.

The Fish and Wildlife Service plans a thorough scientific review
of the frog's status. The agency will then decide whether it will
propose the frog for endangered species protections.

The smooth-skinned frog can be green, brown or sometimes
yellowish with dark oval spots.
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On the Net:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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