The Relict Leopard Frog is a rare amphibian with a mysterious past and a fragile present. Once thought to be extinct, this species was rediscovered in the 1990s and now holds tightly to a few small springs along the Nevada and Arizona border. With its striking pattern and quiet resilience, the Relict Leopard Frog is a hidden gem of the desert southwest.
Size & Physical Appearance
Adult Relict Leopard Frogs are small to medium-sized, usually measuring around 2 to 3.5 inches from snout to vent. They’re slim and long-legged—built for jumping rather than climbing. Their coloration ranges from light brown to olive green, and they’re covered with irregular dark spots, giving them that classic “leopard” look.
One thing that sets them apart from other leopard frogs is the relatively indistinct dorsolateral folds—those raised ridges that run from behind the eyes down the back. On the Relict Leopard Frog, these are sometimes broken or faint.
Juveniles look like smaller, slightly duller versions of the adults, and females tend to be slightly larger than males. Males may have swollen thumbs during breeding season, but they’re otherwise hard to tell apart unless you’re up close.
Habitat and Range
The Relict Leopard Frog is a true desert survivor. It lives near spring-fed streams and seeps in the Mojave Desert, relying on a steady source of clean, permanent water. Historically, it lived throughout the Virgin and Colorado River systems, but today it’s found only in a few small areas in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.
You’ll typically find them at lower elevations—generally below 2,600 feet (around 800 meters). They’re often tucked away in secluded, rocky canyons or alongside shaded pools in dry desert landscapes.
Diet
Like most frogs, the Relict Leopard Frog is a carnivore. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and small crustaceans. It uses its sticky tongue to snatch prey in classic frog fashion. Tadpoles, on the other hand, are primarily grazers, feeding on algae and organic debris.
Since they come from such a harsh environment, their feeding habits can shift seasonally based on what’s available.
Lifespan
In the wild, these frogs are believed to live about 2 to 4 years. In captivity, their lifespan might be slightly longer under ideal conditions, but detailed data is limited given how rare they are.
Identification Tips
It can be tough to tell the Relict Leopard Frog apart from other leopard frogs, so here’s what to look for:
- Broken or faint dorsolateral folds (the raised ridges down the back)
- A relatively smoother or less vibrant spotting pattern compared to species like the Lowland Leopard Frog
- Smaller overall size and a slightly narrower head
They’re also more likely to be found in very specific habitats—remote desert springs—where other similar frogs just aren’t typically found.
Fun Fact
The Relict Leopard Frog was actually once considered extinct. Scientists wrote it off in the mid-20th century after failing to find any for decades. It wasn’t until the 1990s that small populations were rediscovered in southern Nevada, making it something of a conservation comeback story.
It’s still one of the most endangered amphibians in the U.S., but thanks to focused conservation efforts, there’s hope for its future.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a Relict Leopard Frog in the wild is rare, but knowing they’re out there adds a sense of wonder to the desert landscapes they call home. If you’re hiking near desert springs in Nevada or Arizona, consider yourself lucky if you spot one—just keep your distance and admire quietly. This little frog is balancing on the edge, and every bit of habitat protection counts.