Habitat restored for gopher tortoises later became home to 500 endangered frogs

More than 20 years ago, two Mississippi landowners, Jim and Laura Currie, began restoring their land with the aim of helping a threatened gopher tortoise. Their efforts included replanting native longleaf pine, restoring grasses, and conducting prescribed burns. These actions created a habitat that not only benefited the gopher tortoise but also provided an essential resource for another endangered species - the dusky gopher frog.

In June 2026, these same landowners released nearly 500 captive-reared dusky gopher frogs into the restored wetlands on their private estate in Hancock County, Mississippi. This marked the first time the federally endangered frog had been released on private land. The release of the frogs was a result of a long-term habitat restoration effort that began with the goal of providing shelter for the gopher tortoise.

The burrows created by these tortoises offer protection from extreme weather and wildfires, which is crucial for the survival of the dusky gopher frogs that depend on these burrows for breeding. This successful restoration project highlights the significant role private landowners can play in wildlife conservation, as over 80 percent of land in the southeastern United States is privately owned.

However, the dusky gopher frog's future remains vulnerable to threats such as poor weather and fungal diseases. Wildlife teams will continue to monitor the release sites to ensure the frogs can establish a stable, self-sustaining population.