The intent of this project is to address the conservation needs of amphibian and reptile sgcn identified in the state wildlife action plan for new mexico (swap)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 awarded the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish $242,712.24 under the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program (CFDA 15.634) for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This formula grant supports conservation initiatives addressing species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) identified in New Mexico's State Wildlife Action Plan. The department will conduct comprehensive surveys for six amphibian species—including the Jemez Mountains Salamander, Sacramento Mountain Salamander, Eastern Barking Frog, three leopard frog species, and Sonoran Desert Toad—and four reptile species, including the Big Bend Slider, Gila Monster, Western Ribbon Snake, and Western Massasauga. During amphibian surveys, the department will remove invasive bullfrogs that prey on native amphibian populations and will test amphibian skin samples for the presence of the invasive chytrid fungus.

In addition to survey and monitoring activities, the grant funds conservation planning support, boreal toad tadpole reintroduction efforts in Rio Arriba County to improve state populations, and technical guidance coordination with partner agencies and organizations. These collaborative efforts will enable the department to monitor species status and demographics while advancing regional amphibian and reptile conservation objectives aligned with the state's Wildlife Action Plan.

Through this grant we propose to conduct surveys for 6 amphibians to include the jemez mountains salamander and the sacramento mountain salamander. Species also include the eastern barking frog and 3 species of leopard frogs and the sonoran desert toad. Four reptiles will also be surveyed including the big bend slider and gila monster. The other reptiles are the western ribbon snake and western massasauga. These surveys will enable the department to monitor the status and demography of these species. During surveys for amphibians we will remove the invasive bullfrog that prey opportunistically on native amphibians. The department will coordinate with and provide technical guidance for other agencies and organizations to share information and policies and to coordinate survey and management activities that will benefit amphibians and reptiles in new mexico. The department will also assist with conservation planning and will provide testing of amphibian skin samples for the presence of the invasive chytrid fungus. Lastly this project proposes to reintroduce boreal toad tadpoles into RIO arriba county to improve populations of this toad in the state.