Reduction of amphibian populations was investigated by looking at 40 ponds in the agricultural region of southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and southwestern Wisconsin to determine what characteristics of man-made ponds versus naturally occurring ponds created better habitat for amphibians. Thirty of the ponds were constructed, while ten were naturally occurring. Both types had row crops, grazing pastures, or non-grazing pastures within 30 meters. Amphibian larvae and metamorphs were surveyed in the ponds from April until August in 2000 and 2001. Habitat characteristics including water quality, pond depth and size, aquatic vegetation, and aquatic predators were also measured. These measurements were modeled to determine the set of variables that best predicted the positive and negative effects on amphibian reproduction.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.