Inbred Gopher Frog Signals Trouble for South Carolina Wetlands

Declining populations of the endangered amphibian highlight the threats facing the state's vital wetland ecosystems.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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South Carolina's wetlands, which cover over 4.1 million acres and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy waterways, filtering pollutants, and reducing flood risks, are facing increasing threats. The declining population of the endangered gopher frog, an amphibian that relies on these wetland habitats for breeding and shelter, is a telling sign of the challenges these ecosystems are facing, including drought, habitat degradation, and reduced federal protections.

Why it matters

The gopher frog's struggle for survival is a canary in the coal mine for the broader health of South Carolina's wetlands. These interconnected landscapes are vital for the region's ecological balance, providing habitats for diverse wildlife and performing essential functions like water filtration and flood mitigation. The decline of the gopher frog population highlights the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts to protect these critical habitats.

The details

The gopher frog is adapted to the boom-and-bust cycles of wetland ecosystems, but recent years have seen more frequent 'busts' with no eggs collected in some breeding seasons. This is largely due to drought conditions that are drying up the ephemeral wetlands the frogs rely on for breeding. Additionally, a 2023 Supreme Court decision removed federal Clean Water Act protections from many wetlands, leaving up to 1.77 million acres of South Carolina's wetlands without federal safeguards.

  • In recent years, field biologists have observed a troubling decline in gopher frog populations, with breeding wetlands frequently dry during the winter breeding season.
  • As of mid-February 2026, South Carolina is experiencing widespread and severe drought conditions, with over 50% of the state under 'severe drought' (D2) designation and parts of the Upstate and Midlands escalating to 'extreme drought' (D3).

The players

Sydney Sheedy

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Assistant Field Project Manager at the Francis Marion Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area.

Ben Morrison

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Coastal Plains Program Coordinator.

Becca Cozad

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Southwestern Program Coordinator.

Francis Marion Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area

A conservation area focused on protecting amphibian and reptile species in South Carolina.

Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy

A non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.

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What they’re saying

“These frogs are adapted to boom-and-bust cycles, but it appears that busts are becoming more frequent. Some years, like this one, there are no eggs to collect.”

— Sydney Sheedy, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Assistant Field Project Manager

“I think historically drought alone would not have been enough to cause populations to disappear. However, when combined with habitat degradation, population fragmentation, and disease, the risk becomes higher.”

— Ben Morrison, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Coastal Plains Program Coordinator

“Water is an extremely precious resource, and the weather has not cooperated. I'm worried about what it will mean for amphibians that rely on water for reproduction and survival if the drought continues.”

— Becca Cozad, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy Southwestern Program Coordinator

What’s next

Field biologists will continue monitoring the gopher frog population and breeding patterns, working to identify and address the multiple threats facing these amphibians and their wetland habitats.

The takeaway

The plight of the gopher frog serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of South Carolina's wetlands, which face a perfect storm of drought, habitat loss, and reduced federal protections. Protecting these vital ecosystems is crucial not only for the survival of endangered species like the gopher frog, but also for maintaining the ecological balance and essential services these wetlands provide to the region.