Oriane Society, Press Release 219/14
---The purpose of this project is to use the data collected by on-the-ground
citizens year-after-year to investigate possible effects of climate change on
the timing of reproduction. Determining changes in the timing of breeding is
very important, not just for these species, but others that use the same
habitat. The results of this project could allow us to inform land managers and
development planners of important areas for conservation and look deeper into
what other species in these ecosystems may be negatively affected by climate
change, including some endangered species.
This is a what is commonly referred
to as a phenology project. Phenology is the study of periodic events in a plant
or animal's life cycle, such as breeding or migration, and how the timing of
these events are influenced by changes in the climate. Phenology allows us to
understand variations in breeding times, even in limited geographic areas or
specific sites, to develop a range-wide picture of any shifts in the timing of
breeding.
Our objective is to collect your
data long-term, so those that choose to participate in this project are
encouraged to do so at the same sites year after year when possible.
If you are interested in spreading
the word about this project, please download a copy of our "Snapshots in
Time" press release here.
Snap Shots in Time at
a Glance
Where
This effort will focus on
populations found throughout their range in North America .
Both of these amphibians breed following heavy rains during winter–spring that
flood woodland depressions and various other types of ephemeral (short-lived)
ponds or wetlands that lack fish. These can include areas such as lime-sink
ponds in karst regions, or pools in the floodplains of streams.
When
Both species migrate en mass to
breeding sites when weather conditions are appropriate from winter to spring
depending on where you are within their range (see range map below). Spotted
Salamanders and Wood Frogs often share the same breeding sites and breed
simultaneously—with breeding typically occurring earlier for southern
populations (i.e., winter) compared to more northerly populations (late
winter–early spring). During most of the year (when not at breeding sites),
Spotted Salamanders live in burrows and/or under large logs in forest habitats.
Wood Frogs are terrestrial and reside in leaf litter-carpeted forests away from
water where their coloration affords them excellent camouflage.
What
We request that you submit field
observations for either species, including any information related to: 1)
Migrations of adults to/from breeding pond sites; 2) Observations of adults at
breeding ponds; 3) Observations of egg masses; 4) Observations of larvae (Spotted
Salamander) or of tadpoles (Wood Frog), and 5) Whether metamorphs were observed
leaving the wetland. We are betting the wetlands you monitor become spots (no
pun intended!) that you regularly visit well into the future (or continue to
visit if you are already doing so…).
We have prepared datasheets for the
information we desire from your observations, and are also including an
identification sheet for each species. One data sheet should be used for each
observation. For example, if you heard wood frogs on one date, that is one
observation. If you see tadpoles the next time you visit the wetland, you would
use a separate data sheet. We request a photograph for each observation so that
we can confirm identification.
Why
Encountering Wood Frogs and Spotted
Salamanders (or evidence of these species) in the field is always exciting.
Rolling a pond-side log to see the bright orange spots of a plump Spotted
Salamander, or hearing the duck-like chuckling sounds of a sizeable Wood Frog
chorus, are always memorable natural history experiences. With this study, you
can make your observations count toward a scientific review of these species’
breeding patterns. This will benefit our knowledge of these animals, and also
provide you an opportunity to better acquaint yourself with the amphibian life
in your own backyard while doing your part for conservation. Consider
participating in Snapshots in Time, it will be a great experience for all ages!
Participation is easy! See the range
maps below to determine if these species occur in your area. Visit wetland
areas when breeding occurs. Submit your data. Its that easy! Be sure to get in
touch with us with any questions you have about this project and be sure to
tell your friends about Snapshots in Time!
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