Establishing a baseline: the amphibians of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy Counties, Florida
Dates
Publication Date
2018-06-22
Start Date
2002
End Date
2006
Citation
Dodd, C.K., Jr., Barichivich, W.J., Johnson, S.A., Aresco, M.G., and Staiger, J.S., 2018, Establishing a baseline: the amphibians of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy Counties, Florida: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7M32T1C.
Summary
From 2002-2006, we used a variety of sampling techniques to survey the amphibians and water chemistry of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida’s Big Bend region. We recorded 23 amphibian species, 19 frogs and 4 salamanders. Species richness was lower than in areas of the coastal Big Bend region to the north. Amphibians occupied a wide variety of habitats and appeared tolerant of the generally acidic conditions of many of the wetlands. Although additional species may yet be found in LSNWR, this survey provides a historic baseline for assessing future status and trends of amphibian populations.
Summary
From 2002-2006, we used a variety of sampling techniques to survey the amphibians and water chemistry of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida’s Big Bend region. We recorded 23 amphibian species, 19 frogs and 4 salamanders. Species richness was lower than in areas of the coastal Big Bend region to the north. Amphibians occupied a wide variety of habitats and appeared tolerant of the generally acidic conditions of many of the wetlands. Although additional species may yet be found in LSNWR, this survey provides a historic baseline for assessing future status and trends of amphibian populations.
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Related External Resources
Type: Related Primary Publication
Dodd, C.K., Jr., Barichivich, W.J., Johnson, S.A., Aresco, M.G., and Staiger, J.S., 2018, Establishing a baseline: the amphibians of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy counties, Florida: Florida Scientist, v. 80, no. 4, p. 133-144, https://fas.fit.edu/media/site-specific/fasfitedu/flsc-80-04-cov.pdf.
In response to indications of worldwide declines in amphibian populations, the President and Congress directed Interior Department agencies to initiate a national program of amphibian monitoring, research, and conservation. There is an urgent need to determine the scope and severity of the problem and to investigate causes. The U.S. Geological Survey is uniquely qualified to coordinate and lead a cooperative national effort because its scientists have been in the forefront of studying amphibian populations and life history traits, measuring and monitoring environmental characteristics, and conducting research into potential causes of decline. As a result, the Agency formed the National Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI).
