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To better understand how forestry practices affect pond-breeding amphibians we have chosen both forest-dependent species and habitat generalists as well as species with differing life history strategies. The following species exhibit a range of life-history strategies which will allow us to predict how habitat modification is likely to affect other species with similar life histories and habitat requirements.
Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica
(Maine and Missouri)
The wood frog is a forest dependent species that breeds in ephemeral and semi-permanent ponds under closed canopy. Breeding is explosive, occurring over several nights in early spring. Females lay clutches of 304 – 874 eggs and breed only once or twice in their lifetime. Outside of the breeding season wood frogs migrate an average of 1,140 m from breeding ponds.
Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum
(Maine and Missouri)
The spotted salamander is a long-lived forest dependent species that reaches maturity in 2 – 7 years. Breeding is explosive, occurring in early spring and often lasting only a few days. Following the breeding season adults migrate from the pond to the terrestrial habitat, most remaining within a 100 m radius of the breeding site.
American Toad, Bufo americanus
(Missouri)
The American toad is a habitat generalist that is negatively associated with forests in some regions. Sexual maturity is reached in 3 years and clutch sizes can contain as many as 20,000 eggs. Species in the genus Bufo can migrate distances ranging from 23 – 1600 m.
Southern Leopard Frog, Rana sphenocephala