25 years ago: Northern crawfish frogs transplanted to Baker Wetlands
From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for April 3, 1989:
Eight northern crawfish frogs were transplanted to the Baker Wetlands this past weekend by a team of local biologists. “This ought to be a good infusion,” said Joe Collins, a Kansas University zoologist who had headed the excursion. “We’re hoping this rain continues and the males start calling so it will sound good out there.” The frogs, all males, were the first known to be living in the wetlands in more than 10 years. Scientists had caught the amphibians during a 2 1/2-hour excursion in a prairie in Anderson County, about 55 miles south of Lawrence. The group had also brought back about 1,000 fertilized eggs, which Collins said would hatch in a few days. The frog had been the center of controversy in the proposed construction of the 14.3-mile south Lawrence trafficway, but Collins and county officials said the transplanted frogs would have little effect on the trafficway. Chris McKenzie, county administrator, said that although the frogs were not found in the area, the county had considered them when making preparations for the road. Meanwhile, the frogs seemed to be settling into their new home. “The last time we saw them, they were swimming happily,” Collins said.