Last Steps for Metamorphosis Meadow — Gopher Frog Mesocosms!

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We are nearly complete with our outdoor conservation research facility — an array of 20 tri-phasic mesocosms nicknamed 'Metamorphosis Meadow' or MetaMo.

Todays Task: the completion of 3 sandhill mesocosms designed for the captive breeding of Georgia's rarest frog, the Gopher Frog (Lithobates capito). The source populations for the 11 year assisted metamorphosis and experimental release program continue to decline, so we have teamed up with Zoo Atlanta, Georgia DNR, UGA and USFWS to establish captive breeding groups of the species.

Today's Mesocosm Team (front left): Nooch, Crystal and Mark Mandica, Roberto Valencia (visiting from Ecuador) and Caleb Black; (back left) Barbara Marston, Jason Bracken, Emma Slutsker, Juan Taquechel, Joshua Black, and Dr Michael Black (top right).
Kate Carson looking happy with pride over completing a Gopher Frog mesocosm. Kate was instrumental in building the Flatwoods Salamander mesocosms as well.
Anthony Mandica, co-founder and official namer of the Amphibian Foundation sitting on the edge of a recently completed mesocosm (artificial wetland ecosystem)
Amphibian Foundation Executive Director Mark Mandica contemplating all that can be accomplished with 20 artificial and experimental miniature ecosystems (mesocosms)
A shot of a recently completed Gopher Frog mesocosm with sandhill substrate and artificial burrows. The frogs will be introduced in the upcoming week after the mesocosm reaches equilibrium.

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