Gopher Frogs | What's Wild

The Coastal Plain of South Carolina is an ecologically rich landscape stretching from the inland sandhills to the coastal marshes along the Atlantic Ocean. This vast expanse, characterized by its flat terrain and diverse wetland systems, harbors a mosaic of unique habitats. Among these, the longleaf pine forests, cypress swamps, and mysterious Carolina bays create a haven for an extraordinary array of wildlife. Here, hidden within this intricate ecosystem, lives one of nature's most elusive and fascinating creatures – the Gopher Frog. Adapted to thrive in the isolated, ephemeral wetlands and sandy soils of the Coastal Plain, these remarkable amphibians face a perilous existence. Despite their remarkable adaptability, Gopher Frogs are now teetering on the brink of extinction mainly due to the loss of seasonal wetland habitat used for breeding. But hope is not lost. Through remarkable collaboration efforts, dedicated biologists and conservationists are employing innovative strategies to give these amphibians a fighting chance at survival in the wild.