Scientists are restoring red-legged frogs in California with the help of Mexico

• Researchers are using artificial intelligence to monitor frogs.
• Red-legged frogs have successfully been relocated from Mexico to the USA.
• The population of frogs in California has grown to over a hundred individuals.

In the Santa Rosa Reserve, California, researchers are working on restoring the population of red-legged frogs, which have nearly vanished from their historic territory in Southern California. These frogs were once widespread in the outskirts of California and in Baja California, but their numbers have declined due to the introduction of the invasive bullfrog, habitat loss, and pollution.

Researchers, including Breada Golling from the San Diego Natural History Museum, are using artificial intelligence to analyze sounds from ponds where frogs have been reintroduced. In June 2025, Golling managed to record the sounds of breeding red-legged frogs, which indicates successful breeding.

Along with their Mexican colleagues, researchers have transferred red-legged frog eggs from Mexico to the USA, despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, researchers hope that the population of red-legged frogs in California will increase, given that more adult individuals have already been secured.

Thanks to this project, which connects the efforts of two countries, the success in restoring not only frogs but also ecosystems as a whole also contributes to reducing mosquito populations that can transmit diseases.

Tags: USA/Technology/AI/Ecology