Overview

• The removal of invasive American bullfrogs, introduced to Yosemite in the 1950s, has restored native northwestern pond turtle populations and aquatic biodiversity.
• UC Davis researchers documented a 100-fold increase in turtle densities at formerly bullfrog-invaded ponds since eradication efforts began in 2019.
• Juvenile turtles, previously absent due to bullfrog predation, reappeared in significant numbers at cleared sites, marking a major conservation milestone.
• Bullfrog removal also led to broader ecosystem benefits, including the return of native frog choruses and increased salamander activity.
• The study underscores the effectiveness of targeted invasive species management in priority conservation areas to reverse biodiversity loss.