Local adaptation is related to temperature variation in two stream frog species

Identifying populations of animals that are sensitive to climate variation is a critical component of conservation efforts. However, vulnerability assessments are usually applied at the species level, even though temperature adaptation can vary within a species. Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate local adaptation to temperature in tadpoles of two frog species: the coastal tailed frog and the Rocky Mountain tailed frog. The team identified genes associated with thermal tolerance and found similar levels of sensitivity to environmental temperature among populations of both species. However, variation in the thermal tolerances in coastal tailed frogs suggests that populations occupying warmer streams may be most sensitive. For the coastal tailed frog, which is listed as a species of conservation concern by the states of Washington and California, these results suggest actions aimed at preserving cool streams, such as conserving streamside shade, could be important for climate adaptation.  

Forester, B.R., Cicchino, A.S., Shah, A.A., Mudd, A.B., Anderson, E.C., Bredeson, J.V., Crawford, A.J., Dunham, J.B., Ghalambor, C.K., Landguth, E.L., Murray, B.W., Rokhsar, D., and Funk, W.C., 2025, Population genomics reveals local adaptation related to temperature variation in two stream frog species- implications for vulnerability to climate warming: Molecular Ecology, e17651. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17651