A conservation group on Wednesday formally petitioned for the western spadefoot frog to receive protection under California’s Endangered Species Act. The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for federal protection for two frog populations separated by Southern California’s Transverse Ranges. … The frogs depend on vernal pool complexes, which are temporary wetlands connected to upland grasslands or shrublands. Vernal pools are depressions in a forest that hold water for part of each year, supporting species like the western spadefoot. According to the center, more than 90% of these pools have been lost to urban development, intensive agriculture and roads. 

Related article:

• Center for Biological Diversity: News release: Petition seeks California protections for western spadefoot