IDYLLWILD--For the first time in nearly 50 years, a population of a nearly extinct frog has been rediscovered in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Biologists from the U.S. Geological Survey rediscovered the rare mountain yellow-legged frog in the San Jacinto Wilderness near Idyllwild. Researchers had estimated there were about 122 adult mountain yellow-legged frogs in the wild.

Globally, amphibians are on the decline because of habitat loss, effects of climate change and the spread of a deadly fungus.

The mountain yellow-legged frog is one of three frogs or toads on the federal Endangered Species List in Southern California.

Story Date: July 28, 2009