New species of frog named after late Northville woman, curator at Detroit Zoo

As she led twice-a-year nighttime expeditions through Amazon jungles in search of rare species of frogs, Northville native Marcy Sieggreen was focused and fearless, her father Dwight Sieggreen remembered.

"Marcy would always be in the front of the group leading the way, even though the jungle was dark and you could hear the noises made by the jungle's nocturnal animals and insects," said Dwight Sieggreen, a retired Northville Public Schools life sciences educator who often accompanied his daughter on Amazon adventures. "She loved what she was doing so much, there was no reluctance on her part to head into a dark jungle." 

Marcy Sieggreen's dedication to her profession was rewarded Sept. 6 when a species of frogs — Allobates sieggreenae — was named after her.

"From everything we've learned, it's a very, very rare honor," Dwight Sieggreen said. "When we received the call that this was happening, her mother (Mary) and I shed a few tears. We're incredibly proud, to say the least." 

Until the time of her death Siegreen was a curator of amphibians at the Detroit Zoo. The species of frogs that now bears her name is endemic to the Peruvian Amazonian region where Sieggreen led the Detroit Zoological Society's involvement in an assessment of amphibian populations.

Allobates sieggreenae is endemic to the Peruvian Amazonian region where Sieggreen led the DZS’s involvement in an assessment of amphibian populations. The project included field surveys to document species living in several sites and testing for chytridiomycosis, a disease that is wiping out amphibian populations throughout South America and other parts of the world.

"Of all the things that would have given Marcy pleasure, this would be her great joy," Dwight Sieggreen said. "This is a priceless gift and there are no words to express how grateful we are that she is honored in this way. We knew her love for both amphibians and Peru.

"How fortunate it was that she was able to combine the two and contribute to the field. We owe a special thank you to all those who made this recognition possible: the Detroit Zoo family, amphibian scientists and the Peruvian people.” 

Sieggreen oversaw all programs and operations at the Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC), including animal care, breeding, conservation programs, guest experiences and research.

Sieggreen also led the DZS’s cooperative breeding efforts for many endangered amphibian species, helping to restore populations in wild habitats. She served on the board of the international Amphibian Survival Alliance and on several Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) committees.

Sieggreen also led the Amazonian component of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Amphibian Red List Assessment.

“Marcy was an incredible force in the DZS’ work to celebrate and save wildlife. Her passion for amphibians and their conservation was unmatched,” said Scott Carter, DZS chief life sciences officer. “This is a beautiful tribute for an extraordinary person.”

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Sieggreen was working toward a Ph.D. in environmental science through New England’s Antioch University. She earned a master’s degree in biological science from Wayne State University and bachelor’s degrees in Earth Science, Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Geography from Eastern Michigan University.

Sieggreen attended Northville's Moraine Elementary School, Meads Mill Middle School and Northville High School. 

Contact reporter Ed Wright at eawright@hometownlife.com or 517-375-1113.