Texas Amphibian Watch Monitoring Packet

Home , Gulf Coast toad, Mexican burrowing toad, Plains leopard frog, Spotted chorus frog, Texas toad, Upland Chorus Frog

Texas What’s in the Texas Watch WatWatcchh Monitoring Packet? MONITORING PACKET Amphibians in Texas – some background information...... 2 mphibians are more anurans (frogs and toads), ranging Three Ways to Get Involved ...... 4 A important than you in diversity from the albino cave- might think–no, not as dwelling Texas Blind Salamander Amphibian-Spotter Guidelines .....5 the sources of warts and princes, to the bleating Sheep Frog of Amphibian-Spotter Data Sheet....7 but as a barometer of the health South Texas to the sausage-like Nocturnal Call Count of the environments we all share. Amphiuma of East Texas streams. Guidelines...... 9 At an international conference in You can participate in Texas Nocturnal Call Count 1989, scientists from all over the Amphibian Watch at several Data Sheet ...... 11 world became alarmed at what levels, depending on your time Malformation Monitoring appeared to be dramatic declines and interest. Guidelines...... 13 in some amphibian populations. Malformation Monitoring Then, in 1995, a group of school For more information about Data Sheets...... 15 children in Minnesota were the Texas Amphibian Watch or for Frog and Toad Survey first to notice an alarming rate of additional materials, call: Guidelines...... 19 malformed limbs in some frog 1-800-792-1112 x7011 Frog and Toad Survey populations. Because amphibians or e-mail: Data Sheets...... 21 use wetland habitats during at [email protected] Private Lands Access Form...... 29 least part of their life cycle and or visit: Data Guide...... 31 because they have permeable skin, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/amphibians/ Amphibian References...... 33 ecologists believe that declines in amphibian populations and List of Frogs and Toads Found in Texas...... 34 malformations may serve Some Useful Information ...... 35 as early warning indicators of broader changes in ecosystems.

Texas Amphibian Watch gives you a chance to help us understand what frogs, toads, and 4200 Smith School Road salamanders are telling us about Austin, Texas 78744 the world around us. Texas has an interesting array of about 30 PWD BK W7000-0493 (12/01) types of salamanders and over 40 2 3

Amphibians in Texas Amphibians in Texas

mphibians have been more-or-less freely permeable to Chirping Frog, that lives in the Unfortunately, they are sending in large parts of the state where out. Don’t fill in or dump trash around for some 350 water. Amphibians have success- eroded limestone of central and us the same message as many they were once common. In all and chemicals into that wet cave A fully exploited this strategy of west Texas, probably lays eggs that other species of animals and million years and were the but a handful of cases the base- or sinkhole. Avoid deliberately or first vertebrates to leave the waters using quite different habitats at skip the larval stage and develop plants: ecosystems worldwide are line data with which to verify and inadvertently introducing species for dry land. The 80-odd species different times during their lives, directly into small froglets. changing faster than many understand population trends of of plants and animals, including of Texas’ frogs, toads and salaman- and today occur on every organisms can adapt, and the these species do not exist. We are amphibians, into areas where they ders, some of their modern continent except Antarctica. consequent extinction rate is in danger of letting this portion are not native. Work with local representatives, still demonstrate a They are the dominant significantly higher than the of our natural heritage slip away civic authorities and organiza- suite of anatomical, behavioral and vertebrates in some habitats, normal background levels almost unnoticed. tions to promote amphibian- ecological adaptations, unique both in the number of species throughout the long history of sensitive development. If you live “tricks-of-the-trade,” that allow and the number of individuals life on earth. Add in the alarm- What can you do to help amphib- in an urban or suburban setting, amphibians to use both aquatic present. ing rate of malformations in ians in Texas? First, become install an amphibian-friendly and terrestrial habitats. some amphibian populations, and familiar with the kinds that occur pond in your backyard. You can Texas has a diverse set of it seems amphibians may have in your area; learn about their even create a “toad house” by Marine toad The word “amphibian” comes species, the greatest abun- much to tell us about the quality habits, habitats and life-histories. knocking a hole in a flower pot from a combination of two Greek dance and diversity in the rela- Amphibians, because of their two- of our environments. Second, learn to recognize and turning it upside down near words which literally means “two tively wet habitats of the eastern stage life cycle and water- potential threats to amphibian your water faucet. lives,” and refers to the distinct third of the state. Many sala- permeable eggs and skin, are How do Texas amphibians fit into populations and work to help two-stage life-history pattern manders, such as the sirens, sensitive to climatic factors (such this picture? The short answer prevent them. If you own land One of the best things you can do characteristic of most members of amphiumas, waterdogs, and as drought), habitat changes, and is, no one really knows. Many with native wetlands, maintain is to join with other people in this group. Most amphibians spring- and cave-dwelling sala- to a wide variety of environmental Texas species are naturally some in their natural state. Texas Amphibian Watch to gather reproduce by laying eggs. These manders of the Texas Hill pollutants like pesticides, petro- adapted to drought, but the Build your stock ponds with the long-term data without which eggs lack any protective mem- Country, never metamorphose leum hydrocarbons, and heavy addition of habitat alteration at shallow areas where amphibians it is impossible to really under- branes, including a shell, and and spend all their lives in water. metals. The introduction of non- the same time may hasten their can breed, or don’t stock them stand what is happening to our therefore must be laid in moist Some frogs, including the “true native species such as fish in some demise. Data on the endangered with fish. Don’t dam up or cap amphibian populations. Keep a situations. Most amphibian eggs frogs” (such as Bullfrogs and habitats and, ironically, the Houston Toad strongly suggests that spring; let it run for a map and field guide handy and hatch into free-swimming, gill- Leopard Frogs), are basically tied Bullfrog in others has had this as the primary reason distance and then take the water watch for amphibians wherever breathing larvae. In most species to permanent wetlands, whereas profound negative effects on for this species’ disappear- you go. Pick a favorite pond or these strictly aquatic larvae others, like the treefrogs, can use many other species of frogs and ance from Harris County in Bullfrogs wetland and start counting the undergo a radical alteration of wetlands which are more seasonal toads. Amphibians, as a conse- the 1950s. One species kinds and numbers of each their body structure (metamorpho- in nature. Mole salamanders and quence of their unique character- native to the El Paso area, species that use it. Develop your sis), including the development of spadefoot toads may spend their istics, can serve as excellent the Northern Leopard skills and join the national North lungs, in order to live on land. entire lives underground, emerg- bioindicators of the environmen- Frog, has disappeared from American Amphibian Monitoring Even on land, the skin of adult ing only when rainfall creates tal health of a number of terres- Texas due to habitat Program. It’s the least you can amphibians differs from other sufficient standing water in which trial and freshwater aquatic alteration. Others have do–for where would we be without terrestrial vertebrates in being to breed. One species, the Cliff ecosystems worldwide. disappeared or become rare amphibians...? 2 3

Amphibians in Texas Amphibians in Texas mphibians have been more-or-less freely permeable to Chirping Frog, that lives in the Unfortunately, they are sending in large parts of the state where out. Don’t fill in or dump trash around for some 350 water. Amphibians have success- eroded limestone of central and us the same message as many they were once common. In all and chemicals into that wet cave A fully exploited this strategy of west Texas, probably lays eggs that other species of animals and million years and were the but a handful of cases the base- or sinkhole. Avoid deliberately or first vertebrates to leave the waters using quite different habitats at skip the larval stage and develop plants: ecosystems worldwide are line data with which to verify and inadvertently introducing species for dry land. The 80-odd species different times during their lives, directly into small froglets. changing faster than many understand population trends of of plants and animals, including of Texas’ frogs, toads and salaman- and today occur on every organisms can adapt, and the these species do not exist. We are amphibians, into areas where they ders, some of their modern continent except Antarctica. consequent extinction rate is in danger of letting this portion are not native. Work with local representatives, still demonstrate a They are the dominant significantly higher than the of our natural heritage slip away civic authorities and organiza- suite of anatomical, behavioral and vertebrates in some habitats, normal background levels almost unnoticed. tions to promote amphibian- ecological adaptations, unique both in the number of species throughout the long history of sensitive development. If you live “tricks-of-the-trade,” that allow and the number of individuals life on earth. Add in the alarm- What can you do to help amphib- in an urban or suburban setting, amphibians to use both aquatic present. ing rate of malformations in ians in Texas? First, become install an amphibian-friendly and terrestrial habitats. some amphibian populations, and familiar with the kinds that occur pond in your backyard. You can Texas has a diverse set of it seems amphibians may have in your area; learn about their even create a “toad house” by Marine toad The word “amphibian” comes species, the greatest abun- much to tell us about the quality habits, habitats and life-histories. knocking a hole in a flower pot from a combination of two Greek dance and diversity in the rela- Amphibians, because of their two- of our environments. Second, learn to recognize and turning it upside down near words which literally means “two tively wet habitats of the eastern stage life cycle and water- potential threats to amphibian your water faucet. lives,” and refers to the distinct third of the state. Many sala- permeable eggs and skin, are How do Texas amphibians fit into populations and work to help two-stage life-history pattern manders, such as the sirens, sensitive to climatic factors (such this picture? The short answer prevent them. If you own land One of the best things you can do characteristic of most members of amphiumas, waterdogs, and as drought), habitat changes, and is, no one really knows. Many with native wetlands, maintain is to join with other people in this group. Most amphibians spring- and cave-dwelling sala- to a wide variety of environmental Texas species are naturally some in their natural state. Texas Amphibian Watch to gather reproduce by laying eggs. These manders of the Texas Hill pollutants like pesticides, petro- adapted to drought, but the Build your stock ponds with the long-term data without which eggs lack any protective mem- Country, never metamorphose leum hydrocarbons, and heavy addition of habitat alteration at shallow areas where amphibians it is impossible to really under- branes, including a shell, and and spend all their lives in water. metals. The introduction of non- the same time may hasten their can breed, or don’t stock them stand what is happening to our therefore must be laid in moist Some frogs, including the “true native species such as fish in some demise. Data on the endangered with fish. Don’t dam up or cap amphibian populations. Keep a situations. Most amphibian eggs frogs” (such as Bullfrogs and habitats and, ironically, the Houston Toad strongly suggests that spring; let it run for a map and field guide handy and hatch into free-swimming, gill- Leopard Frogs), are basically tied Bullfrog in others has had this as the primary reason distance and then take the water watch for amphibians wherever breathing larvae. In most species to permanent wetlands, whereas profound negative effects on for this species’ disappear- you go. Pick a favorite pond or these strictly aquatic larvae others, like the treefrogs, can use many other species of frogs and ance from Harris County in Bullfrogs wetland and start counting the undergo a radical alteration of wetlands which are more seasonal toads. Amphibians, as a conse- the 1950s. One species kinds and numbers of each their body structure (metamorpho- in nature. Mole salamanders and quence of their unique character- native to the El Paso area, species that use it. Develop your sis), including the development of spadefoot toads may spend their istics, can serve as excellent the Northern Leopard skills and join the national North lungs, in order to live on land. entire lives underground, emerg- bioindicators of the environmen- Frog, has disappeared from American Amphibian Monitoring Even on land, the skin of adult ing only when rainfall creates tal health of a number of terres- Texas due to habitat Program. It’s the least you can amphibians differs from other sufficient standing water in which trial and freshwater aquatic alteration. Others have do–for where would we be without terrestrial vertebrates in being to breed. One species, the Cliff ecosystems worldwide. disappeared or become rare amphibians...? 4 5

Three Ways to Get Involved Amphibian-Spotter Guidelines

What you need to get started... N this information sheet, plus a data sheet and map for each county where you may be spotting amphibians Amphibian-Spotter Adopt-a-Frog Pond Frog and Toad Surveys N a field guide that depicts the amphibians that occur in your area. See page 33 for suggestions. Being an Amphibian-Spotter is If you have regular access to a Ultimately we would love for you N a tape recorder and a resource for identifying frog and toad calls. Since many frogs and toads are “heard simple. Anytime you hear or see wetland–ranging from a backyard to become involved in the formal and not seen” during the breeding season, it would be helpful for you to be able to identify their calls. See an amphibian of any type, you ornamental pond to a river- North American Amphibian page 33 for sources of anuran voice tapes. record the amphibian on data bottom hunting lease, then you Monitoring Program (NAAMP). N a camera to record any unusual amphibians you find (especially rare species or those with deformities). sheets we provide. We are may want to participate by As a NAAMP participant, you especially interested in whether adopting your wetland for conduct a nocturnal frog-call you document the presence of amphibian surveys. You have the count along a randomly-selected How to get started... any deformities in the amphibi- option of conducting daytime route in your area at least three The techniques for being an bodies in East and South Texas Record your data on the data ans you encounter. At the end of monitoring for malformations or times per year. The NAAMP amphibian spotter are simple: to capture amphiuma, sirens, or sheet throughout the year (feel the year you simply mail your nighttime call surveys (or both!). counts consist of stops at 10 Look for amphibians wherever newts. free to make additional copies ). data sheets and any maps you wetlands where you will listen for you go! Of course, you might be Record sighting numbers on a create to us. Your information Nighttime Call Surveys frog calls and record habitat and most successful if you plan some Try your best to identify the map if possible. Take photos of will help us to better understand Several times throughout the year (the climatic conditions. Because the trips to some wetland habitats, species of amphibians you any rare amphibians (see list the distribution of amphibians in more the better!) you visit your NAAMP surveys are standard- especially during the moist, warm encounter. If you are uncertain of provided) or of any amphibians our state, and you will be serving wetland in the evening to listen for ized and designed with random conditions in the spring (both the identification, then you can with malformations. If you do frog calls. You’ll record the species as a “watchful eye” to detect any sampling in mind, the data you during the day–when you can see take a photo or record its call for spot any malformed amphibians, and their estimated abundance, as well malformations in our state’s as environmental conditions. By collect along these routes can be amphibians and at night–when later research. Estimate the then you should also report your frogs, toads, and salamanders. monitoring your wetland frequently we combined with data from all over you can hear them). In addition number of individuals present (if findings to the “Frog Force” can gain information about the effects the country to recognize local, to the obvious habitats for frogs you can see the animals, then project. Information on this of weather and season on amphibian regional, and national patterns of and toads along wetland edges, record your number under nation-wide monitoring project is breeding in Texas. In addition, your amphibian stability or decline. you could try some special search abundance; if you only hear the located at www.frogweb.gov. data over many years could reveal As you prepare to participate in techniques. Turn over logs and frogs or toads, then you can write Return your Amphibian Spotter trends in amphibian abundance and NAAMP you can also set up a rocks in wooded areas to look for down a call index value). Record Data Sheet to Texas Parks and possibly ecosystem health. transect call count route in your salamanders (be sure to watch out as much data as you can about Wildlife by NOVEMBER 30 of NOTE: Malformation Monitoring own area. Before adopting a for snakes and return all logs and the species and its habitat, each year, and we’ll provide you You must possess a Texas One time per year you can make an NAAMP route you’ll want to rocks to their original positions). because that can help us to with an annual report. hunting license or attend a effort to capture as many frogs, toads, attend an amphibian monitoring Use a mask to look underwater identify it as well. Return the monitoring workshop to and tadpoles as possible. By examin- workshop (p. 35). for spring-dwelling salamanders animal to the location ing each animal and then releasing it, hiding in the rocky substrate of where you found it. actually capture amphibians. you will collect statistically useful springs in the Hill Country. Use information about the percent of malformed anurans at your site. a seine in slow-moving water 4 5

Three Ways to Get Involved Amphibian-Spotter Guidelines

0 m r 3

o . f

V 0 ) e y 0 t O s p 1 o

n N o

n e e o c

t y h f i i i t o s y l c b l t u t

a e l d l t o s a S i a t

m i h o , e r W

c W p

4 e h o

e n t f d 0 h o l p a u t s n 7 i a

s o a 8 b e a i

e S m t 7 ( e

s h

r k 5 p f r d

X 3

l a m - T n e

r P A H ,

e I u

n f s s t i

t 0 a a e e s r 0 x x s

Amphibian-Spotter Guidelines u 0 e e e a ) 2 T T 3 A s . e e s I l l a . u l l . P e C a l a e ( P C g V : : : : l a i x e e p a

n n e s ; i F o o m

Some special notes... n s - h l - e h h t l o n

c p p a E y u s

n c p

a b ; a g e f Several amphibians in Texas are o r s A d o l n c l

i o m

i o a g , t n

listed as threatened or endangered t l c n o

y i e a i h n p t a (see list below). It is unlawful to Barton Springs v . p e p n

E D g e a e l o e n t r d w Salamander i capture these amphibians without i

t e m p s h e v a p e s i b o a permit, although you may r

N l ,

w e r l e

s c e a y m

observe and photograph them. r e a v a i o u p o t c

s l m s

e Regardless of the status of the d u s u e i p n c

i o a r S m e

amphibians, try to leave the y r , g

o , s e a s

u h , animal and its habitat just as you San Marcos Salamander t t s o s

d i t

u o n u e c n a

found it. r i

l b t

e g h n e h s n l 1 t i o

t u b e c r d

n a p i , b n t r h

y , a n p s T

a t d u t g a s a e g n n i t t n n i n c i n t o b a u u s c a v i

d o a d e e c H

r r s

s e a l ,

d b a d s

n l u n l : : : : n a

d a a s y a i e p l (does not include subterranean salamanders) r t i Endangered and Threatened Amphibians in Texas c c v s s e i

– t n m Z s p e s d / s l a r u ) e t a a n r u a i m g r d o p

e S g N

u f

o / o n d , g d o r C h t i h y

Federal State f n t

A s S v c i s i L i l

e l l n - v l d r t r C a

Common Name Scientific Name Status Status a o u n o i a e t i c f f t

s L n c

a = = = d n

r o e i n o

D r 1 2 3 o

t i r c

r l h

San Marcos salamander Eurycea nana TT d a r n o c n l

c i

m h :

e t w a u

. o & o s c t s

t l h c o e

Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum E n L e l t t i a t l

u e t g

f a a o i r e i c t b o c d i

o b s i

s n a b

black-spotted newt Notophthalmus meridionalis T

s p i , r a d t e a . t p o

i s S h t r

f a e s 2 o

- o s a p

South Texas siren Siren sp. 1 T a o e m b 3 i T

t e

r e p n

b d

m o e o n m n f ( d t i f u i a l a g

Houston toad Bufo houstonensis EE

u n i

t s a d i

a p n s e

p n s t o

i a a Mexican treefrog Smilisca baudinii T i g t a d a l n

v x o r t

h m n p r o

e f

a e h a u white-lipped frog Leptodactylus labialis T p y T

f c p t e

s e o n e a y e n h

: m t a p

sheep frog Hypopachus variolosus T o s

s s e n u i a y

A t t e e a r o

s a D

a b u N i

c f i l o Mexican burrowing toad Rhinophrynus dorsalis T d

c r f h e a o n

O t c a

o I v

s l a

d s

l s

T t e n x e n U k d

e s r e d o r C

a r

g .

u w d a T = threatened o

e U e s s g n n c i e s I e b M t e e n

R i i i e

l h a s l t

t h E = endangered r m T c c .

a a l f l h g u l e e S e i e o P C t g l a p p i i N

S N

I P c s s s s 1 2 : . o s 6 t

0 m r 3

o . f

V 0 ) e y 0 t O s p 1 o

n N o

n e e o c

t y h f i i i t o s y l c b l t u t

a e l d l t o s a S i a t

m i h o , e r W

c W p

4 e h o

e n t f d 0 h o l p a u t s n 7 i a

s o a 8 b e a i

e S m t 7 ( e

s h

r k 5 p f r d

X 3

l a m - T n e

r P A H ,

e I u

n f s s t i

t 0 a a e e s r 0 x x s

Amphibian-Spotter Guidelines u 0 e e e a ) 2 T T 3 A s . e e s I l l a . u l l . P e C a l a e ( P C g V : : : : l a i x e e p a

n n e s ; i F o o m

Some special notes... n s - h l - e h h t l o n

c p p a E y u s

n c p

a b ; a g e f Several amphibians in Texas are o r s A d o l n c l

i o m

i o a g , t n

listed as threatened or endangered t l c n o

y i e a i h n p t a (see list below). It is unlawful to Barton Springs v . p e p n

E D g e a e l o e n t r d w Salamander i capture these amphibians without i

t e m p s h e v a p e s i b o a permit, although you may r

N l ,

w e r l e

s c e a y m

observe and photograph them. r e a v a i o u p o t c

s l m s

e Regardless of the status of the d u s u e i p n c

i o a r S m e

amphibians, try to leave the y r , g

o , s e a s

u h , animal and its habitat just as you San Marcos Salamander t t s o s

d i t

u o n u e c n a

found it. r i

l b t

e g h n e h s n l 1 t i o

t u b e c r d

n a p i , b n t r h

y , a n p s T

a t d u t g a s a e g n n i t t n n i n c i n t o b a u u s c a v i

d o a d e e c H

r r s

s e a l ,

d b a d s

n l u n l : : : : n a

d a a s y a i e p l (does not include subterranean salamanders) r t i Endangered and Threatened Amphibians in Texas c c v s s e i

– t n m Z s p e s d / s l a r u ) e t a a n r u a i m g r d o p

e S g N

u f

o / o n d , g d o r C h t i h y

Federal State f n t

A s S v c i s i L i l

e l l n - v l d r t r C a

Common Name Scientific Name Status Status a o u n o i a e t i c f f t

s L n c

a = = = d n

r o e i n o

D r 1 2 3 o

t i r c

r l h

San Marcos salamander Eurycea nana TT d a r n o c n l

c i

m h :

e t w a u

. o & o s c t s

t l h c o e

Barton Springs salamander Eurycea sosorum E n L e l t t i a t l

u e t g

f a a o i r e i c t b o c d i

o b s i

s n a b black-spotted newt Notophthalmus meridionalis T

s p i , r a d t e a . t p o

i s S h t r

f a e s 2 o

- o s a p

South Texas siren Siren sp. 1 T a o e m b 3 i T

t e

r e p n

b d

m o e o n m n f ( d t i f u i a l a g

Houston toad Bufo houstonensis EE

u n i

t s a d i

a p n s e

p n s t o

i a a Mexican treefrog Smilisca baudinii T i g t a d a l n

v x o r t

h m n p r o

e f

a e h a u white-lipped frog Leptodactylus labialis T p y T

f c p t e

s e o n e a y e n h

: m t a p sheep frog Hypopachus variolosus T o s

s s e n u i a y

A t t e e a r o

s a D

a b u N i

c f i l o Mexican burrowing toad Rhinophrynus dorsalis T d

c r f h e a o n

O t c a

o I v

s l a

d s

l s

T t e n x e n U k d

e s r e d o r C

a r

g .

u w d a T = threatened o

e U e s s g n n c i e s I e b M t e e n

R i i i e

l h a s l t

t h E = endangered r m T c c .

a a l f l h g u l e e S e i e o P C t g l a p p i i N

S N

I P c s s s s 1 2 2 1 s s s s c P I

N S

N i i p p a l g t C P o e i e S e e l 9 u g h l f l a a

. c c 4 3 2 1 T m r h t

t l s a h l

e i i i Nocturnal Call Count R

n e e t M b e I s e i c n n g s s e U e

o a d w u

. g

r a

C r o d e r s e

d k U n e x n Guidelines e t T

s l

s d

3 a l s

v 6 2 I o

a c 4 t O

n o a e / / h / f r c

/ 1 1 1 d o l i f c

i 5 N u b a

0 D 5 a s 1

o r a / e e t t A / /

y / a 2 i u n e s 2 2 s

s 2 o p 0 a t m : 0

0 h n e y a 0 e n o e s 0

e t p c 0 0 f

0 s

T y p

u a 0 h e a

f 0 0 e

0 o r p n m h

t r o x v

n l a d a t g i a a i

o t s n p

b 6 T C S

e r s n p a

o r o i d

a a s i t

i n n m u

m l a

g a l d a i u i f i t t d d ( f n i m

n o e s o . m

y T d b H

n s p p e r W

e t

o o i 3 b i m r e o R a p d a s o i -

n u

2 i s e a a f e

r v t h g S s s o i o p t . a e t d

i Adopt-a-Frog Pond e

t , i p s d f

r E

p b a n o s r

b o

c l a e C o n b t u c i e r i o o r a a f

o g t m k s e

l t a i x N t t l e L n e l o , c h l e t

b t c s a o i & o . 4

u a w n n t e s o t : h m t

’ c p

l c w o a n r a m c l d

a r r h l , r o

F n r i i t .

o 3 2 1 4 r S D

g o

n n i N e c

o r

r s d = = = m e a

c h E n L e Selecting a site... o

s t i f f c i t . r o a i o o t n u v o a a W C , r t l r d l i

- n l l e n

i L S i s c v S s A

o t g Your frog pond can be any spot amenable to having you adopt a working on private land that h f o

y h i t e f h C

r o d , d p n o

/ o

p f u N g S S e a

o d h r g

m where you’ve seen or heard frogs wetland on their property–just be belongs to someone else, then i a H u e r n p a t e ) u r a

l r s / d s e e 5 d s Z m n t –

i 9 r recently–from your backyard sure to obtain permission first if you’ll first have to obtain the s s v c c i t a l p e i a y s a a d n n : : : : l n u ornamental pond to your river you’ll be entering the property written permission of the land- l d r s b m s d a e b w

a , r l s a e s a

n t e s i bottom hunting lease to the wet after hours or if you want to get owner. A permission form is r

t - m

d C d H c e I d a 2 o S m e p o o u

m i v S a 0 m a c s n u c

a spot at the back of the school into some wetland habitat that’s enclosed (page 29). Mark your b d l t o t l a a 1 a d i n i i n n i n e a n n n

t t n l g s d

g e a s

H yard. Many public parks might be normally off-limits. If you’ll be site location on a map if possible. p a

t u d t p J p o a o r

f h i

r T a r s i o n a n , i n i p y d

h n n c t n r b c , e a p s a g t

d i r i c s

A e n l e n b u ,

o o t

t t 1 g l s h e n T o n h

c t X What you need to get started... g b l i r a o n e u

n s u

t 7 W t i d o s s 8 t ,

h this information sheet, plus a data sheet and map of your frog pond location u

N , G a t s

a s

5 a e s i y m u p o g y g 4 , r o l r

e m e f S p r a i u

2 M n i

h r c n p i e a pencil and clipboard N g s C

i m u d u

o s s l s m

c a t p o p a a u o i y e a v a l e s r m a a flashlight a e e N c w s t m e l r e

, i l N

a a

t e r o b h o n e p a r v e d

s a field guide that depicts the amphibians that occur in your area. See page 33 for suggestions p m N a t e t o i i w e d d r n e

l r e p a e g D E

P n h p e . a tape recorder and a blank tape for recording calls that you do not recognize v a N t o p n i a e t i y

n o c l n t , g a c i

m o i o

l n l a resource for identifying frog and toad calls (see page 33) o d A N s r p

f e g a ; b a y

1 3 1 c n

s u E t a p p c

h n o l L an outdoor thermometer. Other gauges would be useful if available, including an anemometer (for measur- h h N e - l i - s s n m o o F ;

e p n n

a ing wind speed), a hygrometer (for measuring relative humidity), and a barometer (for measuring barometric

a a e e x i g l : : : : V e C P pressure). See data guidelines on page 31 for suggestions regarding these measurements. ( . a l a C e P 3 l l u . a l

E l I s t 1 1 1 e e . s 3 A T T o 2 ) 2 2 2 a e e e 0 u 3 3 3

s a x x 0 r s e e a a

- - - Rio Grande Leopard frog d 0 t i t s s f n

4 0 4 s u 6 h u l I e

How to conduct your counts... n e o , H e

A P r 5 5

9 e d i n a T i n - m v a n 6 6 l 8 e r .

e d d r e f r - - l p 5 k - o d

a Your basic goal is to visit your moist-skinned friends. At a 7 7

h @ s

s e f 7 (

n 7 t m S 8 8 e

i r t a 6 g e u b 8 a o a r o p s

9 9 a e 5

i frog pond as many evenings as minimum, you should try to visit 7 n s t m

- o u a p l o e 9 0 w h 0 4 d

f t n

e l f t

o h i e 4

N t . t

p c l W o c possible to listen for frogs and your site at least once/month h i

W r h e g , o h e i m u

t h a i S n f a s o t

l t d d l e i a m r

toads calling. Surveys may be between February and November.

t u t s l o b c l y

s o i t i h i n i f h u y a t

c ;

o e e n n

e o conducted whenever anurans are d N n

1 o s 1 v p 2 e s O i t e 0

d y e r )

i calling, but moonless evenings You’ll want to begin listening n

0 V

n e i f l . n o

. o

g l 3 g o r following a rainy period are about 30 minutes after dark. m 0 n g

t s

o especially popular among our First, record environmental . : 2 1 s s s s c P I

N S

N i i p p a l g t C P o e i e S e e l 9 u g h l f l a a e

. c c 4 3 2 1 T m r h t t l s a h l e i i i Nocturnal Call Count R n e e t M b e I s e i c n n g s s e U e

o a d w u

. g

r a

C r o d e r s e d k U n e x n Guidelines e t T s l s d

3 a l s v 6 2 I o a c 4 t O n o a e / / h / f r c

/ 1 1 1 d o l i f c i 5 N u b a

0 D 5 a s 1 o r a / e e t t A / /

S y / a 2 i u n e s 2 2 s s 2 o p 0 a t m : 0

0 h n e y a 0 e n o e s 0 e t p c 0 0 f

0 s

T y p u a 0 h e a f 0 0 e

0 o r p n m h t r o x v n l a d a t g i a a i o t s n p b 6 T C S e r s n p a o r o i d a a s i t

i n n m u m l a

g a l d a i u i f i t t d d ( f n i m n o e s o . m y T d b H n s p p e r W

e t o o i 3 b i m r e o R a p d a s o i -

n u

2 i s e a a f e r v t h g S s s o i o p t . a e t d

i Adopt-a-Frog Pond e r t , i p s d f r E

p b a n o s r s b o

i c l a e C o n b t u c i e r i o o r a a f

o g t m k s e l t a i x N t t l e L n e l o , c h l e t d

b t c s a o i & o . 4 u a w n n t e s o t : h m t

’ c p

l c w o a n r a m c l d i a r r h l , r o y a

F n r i i t . o 3 2 1 4 r S D g o n n i N e c o r

r s d = = = m e a c h E n L e Selecting a site... o

s t i f f c i t . r o a i o o t n u v o a a W C , r t l r d l i

- n l l e n

l i L S i s c v S s A o t g Your frog pond can be any spot amenable to having you adopt a working on private land that h f o y h i t e f h C r o d , d p n o

/ o p f u N g S S e a o d h r g m where you’ve seen or heard frogs wetland on their property–just be belongs to someone else, then i a H u e r n p a t e ) u r a l r s / d s e e 5 d s Z m n t – i 9 r recently–from your backyard sure to obtain permission first if you’ll first have to obtain the s s v c c i t a l p e i a y s a a d n n : : : : l n u ornamental pond to your river you’ll be entering the property written permission of the land- l d r s b m s d a e b w o a , r l s a e s a n t e s i bottom hunting lease to the wet after hours or if you want to get owner. A permission form is r t - m d C d H c e I d a 2 o S m e p o o u m i v S a 0 m a c s n u c

a spot at the back of the school into some wetland habitat that’s enclosed (page 29). Mark your b d l t o t l a a 1 a d i n i i n n i n e a n n n

t t n l g s d g e a s

H yard. Many public parks might be normally off-limits. If you’ll be site location on a map if possible. p a

t u d t p J p o a o r f h i r T a r s i o n a n , i n i p y d h n n c t n r b c , e a p s a g t d i r i c s

A e n l e n b u , o o t t t 1 g l s h e n T o n h e c t X What you need to get started... g b l i r a o n e u

n s u t 7 W t i d o s s 8 t , h this information sheet, plus a data sheet and map of your frog pond location u

N , G a t s a s

5 a e s i y m u p o g y g 4 , r o l r e m e f S p r a i u

2 M n i

h r c n p i e a pencil and clipboard N g s C i m u d u e

o s s l s m c a t p o p a a u o i y e a v a l e s r m a a flashlight a e e N c w s t m e l r e p

, i l N s a a t e r o b h o n e p a r v e d

s a field guide that depicts the amphibians that occur in your area. See page 33 for suggestions p m N a t e t o i i w e d d r n e l r e p a e g D E

P n h p e . a tape recorder and a blank tape for recording calls that you do not recognize v a N t o p n i a e t i y n o c l n t , g a c i m o i o l n l a resource for identifying frog and toad calls (see page 33) o d A N s r p f e g a ; b a y

1 3 1 c n

s u E t a p p c h n o l L an outdoor thermometer. Other gauges would be useful if available, including an anemometer (for measur- h h N e - l i - s s n m o o F ; e p n n a ing wind speed), a hygrometer (for measuring relative humidity), and a barometer (for measuring barometric a a e e x i g l : : : : V e C P pressure). See data guidelines on page 31 for suggestions regarding these measurements. ( . a l a C e P 3 l l u . a l

E l I s t 1 1 1 e e . s 3 A T T o 2 ) 2 2 2 a e e e 0 u 3 3 3 s a x x 0 r s e e a a

- - - Rio Grande Leopard frog d 0 t i t s s f n

4 0 4 s u 6 h u l I e

How to conduct your counts... n e o , H e

A P r 5 5

9 e d i n a T i n - m v a n 6 6 l 8 e r .

X e d d r e f r - - l p 5 k - o d r

a Your basic goal is to visit your moist-skinned friends. At a 7 7 h @ s s e f 7 ( n 7 t m S 8 8 e i r t a 6 g e u b 8 a o a r o p s

9 9 a e 5

i frog pond as many evenings as minimum, you should try to visit 7 n s t m

- o u a p l o e 9 0 w h 0 4 d f t n e l f t o h i e 4

N t . t p c l W o c possible to listen for frogs and your site at least once/month h i

W r h e g , o h e i m u o t h a i S n f a s o t l t d d l e i a m r

toads calling. Surveys may be between February and November. t u t s l o b c l y s o i t i h i n i f h u y a t c ; o e e n n d e o conducted whenever anurans are d N n

1 o s 1 v p 2 e s O i t e 0 d y e r ) i calling, but moonless evenings You’ll want to begin listening n

0 V n e i f l . n o

. o g l 3 g o r following a rainy period are about 30 minutes after dark. m 0 n g t s o especially popular among our First, record environmental . : 10 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Nocturnal Call Count you may wish to photocopy this page. Guidelines Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Nocturnal Call Count Data Sheet to photocopy forms. Site Data Site number: County: Wetland type: to be assigned by TPW Adopt-a-Frog Pond Name: Daytime phone: Address: Evening phone: Fax: conditions on the form. The cannot identify a call at City/St/Zip: E-mail: data guide provides suggestions the time, then you can Location of site (Lat-Long or distance & directions from nearest town): for obtaining this environmental record it, compare it to the INSTRUCTIONS: Please use this sheet to record data each night you visit your adopted wetland site. There is no limit to the number of times you may data. call resources you have at record data at each site; however, we encourage you to visit the site at least monthly between the months of February and November. Use a separate data home, or send it to TPW sheet for each site. See page 31 for suggestions for completing the data sheet. Mark site location on a map if possible. Now, listen for the frogs and and we can help you Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 toads. Listen for five minutes. identify it. Space is also Date Record each species you hear, as provided if you hear any Time nocturnal birds and want well as an indication of its Bullfrog Air Temp abundance. Abundance is to record them on your Water Temp estimated by a call index (CI) data sheet. Wind based on three levels: CI = 1 – ing data in sequential columns of Sky only a few individuals of the You can listen as long into the your data sheet. If your site is in Moon species are distinctly heard; CI = evening as you like (some species your backyard, then go ahead and Water Level 2 – calls of several individuals may begin calling later than make multiple copies of the form Barometric Pressure overlap; CI = 3 – so many others, more frogs may begin and record data every night! Feel Relative Humidity individuals of the species are calling as it grows darker, etc.). free to write down any comments Rainfall in past 48 hours? Y or N calling that calls are overlapping For each 5-minute interval you or additional observations you Background Noise have. If you would like to adopt and indistinguishable. (See page can create new columns on the Frogs and Toads – Species Name CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value 31 for more information). If you form under Visit 2, Visit 3, etc. more than one site, then simply mark that site on your map and Gulf Coast toad Again, the start another data sheet. more often you can visit Send your data sheets and maps the site, the into TPW by NOVEMBER 30. more that you We’ll compile all the data, send and we will you a report, and assign a num- learn about ber to your adopted site. Then the amphibi- we hope you’ll continue to ans in your monitor the activities of the frogs area–simply and toads at your pond for many keep record- years to come. Nocturnal Birds – Species Name

Please return data sheets and map by NOV. 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 10 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Nocturnal Call Count you may wish to photocopy this page. Guidelines Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Nocturnal Call Count Data Sheet to photocopy forms. Site Data Site number: County: Wetland type: to be assigned by TPW Adopt-a-Frog Pond Name: Daytime phone: Address: Evening phone: Fax: conditions on the form. The cannot identify a call at City/St/Zip: E-mail: data guide provides suggestions the time, then you can Location of site (Lat-Long or distance & directions from nearest town): for obtaining this environmental record it, compare it to the INSTRUCTIONS: Please use this sheet to record data each night you visit your adopted wetland site. There is no limit to the number of times you may data. call resources you have at record data at each site; however, we encourage you to visit the site at least monthly between the months of February and November. Use a separate data home, or send it to TPW sheet for each site. See page 31 for suggestions for completing the data sheet. Mark site location on a map if possible. Now, listen for the frogs and and we can help you Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 toads. Listen for five minutes. identify it. Space is also Date Record each species you hear, as provided if you hear any Time nocturnal birds and want well as an indication of its Bullfrog Air Temp abundance. Abundance is to record them on your Water Temp estimated by a call index (CI) data sheet. Wind based on three levels: CI = 1 – ing data in sequential columns of Sky only a few individuals of the You can listen as long into the your data sheet. If your site is in Moon species are distinctly heard; CI = evening as you like (some species your backyard, then go ahead and Water Level 2 – calls of several individuals may begin calling later than make multiple copies of the form Barometric Pressure overlap; CI = 3 – so many others, more frogs may begin and record data every night! Feel Relative Humidity individuals of the species are calling as it grows darker, etc.). free to write down any comments Rainfall in past 48 hours? Y or N calling that calls are overlapping For each 5-minute interval you or additional observations you Background Noise have. If you would like to adopt and indistinguishable. (See page can create new columns on the Frogs and Toads – Species Name CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value 31 for more information). If you form under Visit 2, Visit 3, etc. more than one site, then simply mark that site on your map and Gulf Coast toad Again, the start another data sheet. more often you can visit Send your data sheets and maps the site, the into TPW by NOVEMBER 30. more that you We’ll compile all the data, send and we will you a report, and assign a num- learn about ber to your adopted site. Then the amphibi- we hope you’ll continue to ans in your monitor the activities of the frogs area–simply and toads at your pond for many keep record- years to come. Nocturnal Birds – Species Name

Please return data sheets and map by NOV. 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Adapted from NBII Frog Force Web site – 13 you may wish to photocopy this page. www.frogweb.gov Malformation Monitoring Please feel free Guidelines Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Nocturnal Call Count Data Sheet to photocopy forms. Site Data

Site number: County: Wetland type: Lake, 25-acre; man-made to be assigned by TPW San Jacinto E Name: Ima Prince Daytime phone:L123-456-7890 Adopt-a-Frog Pond Address: 201 Hopalong Way EveningP phone: 123-098-7654 M Fax: 123-456-7899 City/St/Zip: Coldspring, TXA 78542 E-mail: [email protected] By conducting this activity you will be participating in a volunteer nationwide malformation monitoring effort called “Frog Force.” Knowing where deformed frogs are found is the first step towards determining possible Location of site (Lat-LongS or distance & directions from nearest town): Double Lake Rec. Area, Sam Houston Nat’l Forest, 4 mi S of Coldspring INSTRUCTIONS: Please use this sheet to record data each night you visit your adopted wetland site. There is no limit to the number of times you may causes of frog malformations. To estimate the number of deformed frogs in a population, IT IS record data at each site; however, we encourage you to visit the site at least monthly between the months of February and November. Use a separate data NECESSARY TO COUNT BOTH THE NUMBER OF MALFORMED FROGS AND THE sheet for each site. See page 31 for suggestions for completing the data sheet. Mark site location on a map if possible. NUMBER OF NORMAL FROGS FOUND. With your help, scientists will have a more complete picture Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 4 Visit 5 of population levels and the number of deformed frogs in each area. You will be collecting data that is useful Date 2/10/2000 3/3/2000 4/1/2000 5/9/2000 6/6/2000 to Texas Parks and Wildlife and to NARCAM, which is the North American Reporting Center for Amphibian Time 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:00 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Malformations (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/). They are keeping track of the information volunteers and o o o o o Air Temp 51 F 57 F 62 F 75 F 80 F scientists find about deformed frogs. o o o o o Water Temp 55 F 58 F 60 F 67 F 78 F Wind B1 B2 B2 B1 B0 Sky 2 0 1 2 1 Moon What you need to get started... 1st quarter new moon new 1st quarter 1st quarter Licensing Rules Water Level above avg. average average above avg. above avg. Barometric Pressure N this information sheet, several copies of the data 29.85 30.51 30.02 28.96 29.81 sheet, and a map of your frog pond location Texas Parks and Wildlife requires that anyone Relative Humidity 70% 60% 75% 80% 80% Rainfall in past 48 hours? Y or N who captures a nongame animal be licensed or Y N N Y Y N a clipboard and pencils Background Noise low low low low med permitted. If you would like to participate in an Frogs and Toads – Species Name CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value CI Value N a small to medium aquarium net activity that actively involves capturing amphibi- spring peepers 3 ans (such as malformation monitoring), then upland chorus frog 2 N several buckets or small aquaria with lids you have two options: cricket frog 1 2 3 3 2 1. You can purchase a State of Texas Hunting Southern leopard frog 1 1 2 2 1 N hand-held magnifying lens (optional) bullfrog 2 2 2 1 License (a $6 license is available for anyone Gulf Coast toad 1 3 2 N appropriate clothes– be sure to wear old sneakers under age 16.) green treefrog 1 3 2 or a pair of mud boots, because amphibian 2. You can attend a TPW amphibian monitor- gray treefrog 2 2 1 habitat can be muddy! Eastern narrowmouth toad 2 ing workshop and we will issue you a scien- Hurter’s spadefoot toad 3 N a field guide that depicts the amphibians in your tific permit. area. See page 33 for suggestions. You do not have to have a permit or license to Nocturnal Birds – Species Name conduct call count surveys or to observe amphib- barred owl 1 1 1 1 1 N optional– a camera to record any unusual screech owl 2 2 2 amphibians or abnormalities you encounter ians as an Amphibian Spotter.

Please return data sheets and map by NOV. 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 14 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Malformation Monitoring you may wish to photocopy this page. Guidelines Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Site Data

Site number: to be assigned by TPW Location of site (Lat-Long or distance & direction from nearest town): Adopt-a-Frog Pond County:

What to do in the field... Observer Data First, make sure you don’t wear insect young frogs and metamorphs (or Once you have finished collecting, you Name: Daytime phone: repellents containing DEET to your metamorphasing tadpoles) especially, will examine each frog individually to Address: Evening phone: site, and wash your hands to remove since deformed frogs do not tend to look for deformities. Look over the any repellents, sunscrrens, cosmetics, live very long. Generally the smaller data sheet to learn what kinds of things Fax: etc. Place ½ inch of water from your the frog, the younger it is (although you are looking for. Remove each frog City/St/Zip: E-mail: collection site in each bucket. You the Bullfrog can be quite large when from the bucket one at a time and hold should also place 1-2 sticks or some young, since it grows much larger than it gently but firmly behind the front floating plants in there so that the most frogs). legs. A thumb on one side and index Amphibian Observation Information frogs and metamorphs have some- finger on the other will give you the where to rest. Make sure your bucket The best way to catch these critters on best control and greatest viewing. If there is more than one species present, use a lids have air holes. Place your buckets land is with the help of a few people, REMEMBER, WE WANT TO Date of Observation: different data sheet for each species in the shade to keep your captives using your net to either trap them or HEAR ABOUT ALL THE FROGS Species name (or description): cool. herd them into an area that is not YOU FIND, NOT JUST THOSE covered with thick brush and plants. WITH ABNORMALITIES. Total number of normal individuals: Total number of malformed individuals: Collect as many individuals from one You can either pick them up by hand site as possible. Several buckets are or use your net. Turn the net so the Once you have examined a frog, you needed, because large frogs may eat seams are on the outside: The small can release it immediately; BUT, if you Record number of individuals in each malformation category small frogs. You will need another toes of frogs could get tangled in the carry your bucket some distance from ! These categories can be used with adult or metamorphosing (4 legs) frogs and toads. bucket for Pickerel Frogs (if you live seam. Use a net to capture the capture site to survey the frogs, be ! an area where they are found). metamorphs from the water. Needless sure to return the frogs to the area Normal frogs and toads have four digits (”fingers”) on their front (”fore”) limbs, and five on Pickerel frogs carry a substance toxic to say, small frogs and metamorphs where you found them (rather than their hind limbs. to other frogs in their skin (These are very fragile, so handle them gently releasing them in the area you’re using ! If possible, please photograph any deformed animals you find; use a ruler or coin in the frogs are NOT toxic to humans and and be careful not to catch them to record the data). You might want to photo to give a size perspective. will cause you no harm). Try to find under the metal frame of your net. have some extra buckets to hold ! For photographic examples of deformities in frogs and toads, go to the What Do individuals you’ve already examined. Malformations Look Like? links at the NARCAM site– www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/index.htm#contents How to send your data... Another survey?... Some special notes... Record data below or on the drawings on next page. Now that you have completed your ! If you would like to survey at this Please read the Rules of Frogging at Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number survey please send your information to site again, you’ll need to wait until www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam for Missing Eye(s) ME Extra Hind Limb(s) EHL Missing Fore Digit(s) MFD TPW. If possible, you can also send next year to avoid collecting the guidance on courtesy, ethics, and safety Displaced Eye(s) DE Extra Fore Limb(s) EFL Partial Hind Limb(s) PHL your information to NARCAM using same individuals more than once. when working with amphibians. In the Internet (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/ ! If you want to survey at a new addition, you may want to read over Retained Tail RT Abnormal Hind Limb(s) AHL Partial Fore Limb(s) PFL narcam/form/form1.htm). If your location, you should make sure that the DAPTF Field-work Code of Split Hind Limb(s) SHL Abnormal Fore Limb(s) AFL Cranial Shortening CRS Internet access is limited, you can it is at least a mile away...frogs can Practice (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/ Split Fore Limb(s) SFL Extra Hind Digit(s) EHD Abnormal Mandible (jaw) ABM report your data by calling them at actually travel fairly long distances! narcam/techinfo/daptf.htm). Missing Hind Limb(s) MHL Extra Fore Digit(s) EFD Webbing Cutaneous Fusion WCF 1-800-239-9801. ! Don’t forget you can learn more Scientists still do not know what Missing Fore Limb(s) MFL Missing Hind Digit(s) MHD Other (describe below) about this site by conducting causes deformities or amphibian nocturnal call counts. declines; these guidelines will help to prevent us from accidentally spreading disease or other harmful things. 14 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Malformation Monitoring you may wish to photocopy this page. Guidelines Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Site Data

Site number: to be assigned by TPW Location of site (Lat-Long or distance & direction from nearest town): Adopt-a-Frog Pond County:

What to do in the field... Observer Data First, make sure you don’t wear insect young frogs and metamorphs (or Once you have finished collecting, you Name: Daytime phone: repellents containing DEET to your metamorphasing tadpoles) especially, will examine each frog individually to Address: Evening phone: site, and wash your hands to remove since deformed frogs do not tend to look for deformities. Look over the any repellents, sunscrrens, cosmetics, live very long. Generally the smaller data sheet to learn what kinds of things Fax: etc. Place ½ inch of water from your the frog, the younger it is (although you are looking for. Remove each frog City/St/Zip: E-mail: collection site in each bucket. You the Bullfrog can be quite large when from the bucket one at a time and hold should also place 1-2 sticks or some young, since it grows much larger than it gently but firmly behind the front floating plants in there so that the most frogs). legs. A thumb on one side and index Amphibian Observation Information frogs and metamorphs have some- finger on the other will give you the where to rest. Make sure your bucket The best way to catch these critters on best control and greatest viewing. If there is more than one species present, use a lids have air holes. Place your buckets land is with the help of a few people, REMEMBER, WE WANT TO Date of Observation: different data sheet for each species in the shade to keep your captives using your net to either trap them or HEAR ABOUT ALL THE FROGS Species name (or description): cool. herd them into an area that is not YOU FIND, NOT JUST THOSE covered with thick brush and plants. WITH ABNORMALITIES. Total number of normal individuals: Total number of malformed individuals: Collect as many individuals from one You can either pick them up by hand site as possible. Several buckets are or use your net. Turn the net so the Once you have examined a frog, you needed, because large frogs may eat seams are on the outside: The small can release it immediately; BUT, if you Record number of individuals in each malformation category small frogs. You will need another toes of frogs could get tangled in the carry your bucket some distance from ! These categories can be used with adult or metamorphosing (4 legs) frogs and toads. bucket for Pickerel Frogs (if you live seam. Use a net to capture the capture site to survey the frogs, be ! an area where they are found). metamorphs from the water. Needless sure to return the frogs to the area Normal frogs and toads have four digits (”fingers”) on their front (”fore”) limbs, and five on Pickerel frogs carry a substance toxic to say, small frogs and metamorphs where you found them (rather than their hind limbs. to other frogs in their skin (These are very fragile, so handle them gently releasing them in the area you’re using ! If possible, please photograph any deformed animals you find; use a ruler or coin in the frogs are NOT toxic to humans and and be careful not to catch them to record the data). You might want to photo to give a size perspective. will cause you no harm). Try to find under the metal frame of your net. have some extra buckets to hold ! For photographic examples of deformities in frogs and toads, go to the What Do individuals you’ve already examined. Malformations Look Like? links at the NARCAM site– www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/index.htm#contents How to send your data... Another survey?... Some special notes... Record data below or on the drawings on next page. Now that you have completed your ! If you would like to survey at this Please read the Rules of Frogging at Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number survey please send your information to site again, you’ll need to wait until www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam for Missing Eye(s) ME Extra Hind Limb(s) EHL Missing Fore Digit(s) MFD TPW. If possible, you can also send next year to avoid collecting the guidance on courtesy, ethics, and safety Displaced Eye(s) DE Extra Fore Limb(s) EFL Partial Hind Limb(s) PHL your information to NARCAM using same individuals more than once. when working with amphibians. In the Internet (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/ ! If you want to survey at a new addition, you may want to read over Retained Tail RT Abnormal Hind Limb(s) AHL Partial Fore Limb(s) PFL narcam/form/form1.htm). If your location, you should make sure that the DAPTF Field-work Code of Split Hind Limb(s) SHL Abnormal Fore Limb(s) AFL Cranial Shortening CRS Internet access is limited, you can it is at least a mile away...frogs can Practice (www.npwrc.usgs.gov/ Split Fore Limb(s) SFL Extra Hind Digit(s) EHD Abnormal Mandible (jaw) ABM report your data by calling them at actually travel fairly long distances! narcam/techinfo/daptf.htm). Missing Hind Limb(s) MHL Extra Fore Digit(s) EFD Webbing Cutaneous Fusion WCF 1-800-239-9801. ! Don’t forget you can learn more Scientists still do not know what Missing Fore Limb(s) MFL Missing Hind Digit(s) MHD Other (describe below) about this site by conducting causes deformities or amphibian nocturnal call counts. declines; these guidelines will help to prevent us from accidentally spreading disease or other harmful things. To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. Please feel free Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms. Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Site Data Or, if you prefer, circle a limb if it is split, place an X through a missing limb or eye, draw in an extra limb, tail, or skin if present. Place the number of frogs found with an abnormality next to that image. Note any other deformities. Site number: to be assigned by TPW Location of site (Lat-Long or distance & direction from nearest town): County: San Jacinto Double Lake Recreation Area, Sam Houston Nat’l Forest, 4 mi. S of Coldspring

Observer Data Name: Ima Prince Daytime phone: 123-456-7890E Address: 201 Hopalong Way Evening phone:L123-098-7654 PFax: 123-456-7899 Habitat Description City/St/Zip: E-mail: Habitat where you found the amphibian(s): Coldspring, TX 78542AM [email protected] Wet meadow Swamp Pond Lake Stream Marsh Land SAmphibian Observation Information Other (please describe): If there is more than one species present, use a Date of Observation: 6/7/2000 different data sheet for each species If it was on land, how close was the nearest wetland that may be an amphibian breeding habitat? Remember: Amphibians can breed in a variety of wetland types, Species name (or description): Southern leopard frog including ponds that dry up every year (”vernal pools”) and wet meadows. Total number of normal individuals: 6 Total number of malformed individuals: 1 Please answer the following questions about the wetland the amphibians were in, or about the wetland nearest to the on-land locations of the amphibians you found: Record number of individuals in each malformation category What land uses are directly adjacent to the wetland? Check all that apply: ! These categories can be used with adult or metamorphosing (4 legs) frogs and toads. ! Undisturbed natural area Cropland (list types) Normal frogs and toads have four digits (”fingers”) on their front (”fore”) limbs, and five on their hind limbs. Suburban residences ! Urban residences Rangeland (pasture) for cattle If possible, please photograph any deformed animals you find; use a ruler or coin in the photo to give a size perspective. Rural residences Rangeland (pasture) for other livestock (list types) ! Recreation area (describe) For photographic examples of deformities in frogs and toads, go to the What Do Industry/Manufacturing (describe) Malformations Look Like? links at the NARCAM site– www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/index.htm#contents Other Record data below or on the drawings on next page. Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number Malformation Code Number What is the area like in general? Check all that apply: Missing Eye(s) ME Extra Hind Limb(s) EHL Missing Fore Digit(s) MFD Displaced Eye(s) DE Extra Fore Limb(s) EFL Partial Hind Limb(s) PHL Wilderness Rural residential area Retained Tail RT Abnormal Hind Limb(s) AHL Partial Fore Limb(s) PFL Relatively undisturbed natural area Recreational area Split Hind Limb(s) SHL Abnormal Fore Limb(s) AFL Cranial Shortening CRS Suburban residential area Farming/ranching community Split Fore Limb(s) SFL Extra Hind Digit(s) EHD Abnormal Mandible (jaw) ABM Urban residential area Industrial area Missing Hind Limb(s) MHL Extra Fore Digit(s) EFD Webbing Cutaneous Fusion WCF Other (describe) 1 Missing Fore Limb(s) MFL Missing Hind Digit(s) MHD Other (describe below) Please return data sheets and map by NOV. 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife right hind foot was missing 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. Please feel free Please feel free Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms. Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Please feel free Count Guidelines Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Or, if you prefer, circle a limb if it is split, place an X through a missing limb or eye, draw in an extra limb, tail, or skin if present. Place the number of frogs found with an abnormality next to that image. Note any other deformities. Frog and Toad Survey 1 Thanks for your interest in to assess whether there are any more consistency and credibility participating in the Texas Frog trends in amphibian abundance to this monitoring effort. And in and Toad Survey, part of the across the United States as well the process, we hope you have a X North American Amphibian as in Texas. Given your skills and safe, fun time getting to know Habitat Description Monitoring Program. The data dedication, we hope that you will the amphibians around you! you collect is part of a carefully- be able to monitor your route for Habitat where you found the amphibian(s): designed system whose purpose is many years and thus add even Wet meadow Swamp Pond Lake StreamE Marsh Land Other (please describe): 25 acre, man-made L What you need to get started... this information sheet, plus a data sheet and map of your route location If it was on land, how close was the nearest wetlandP that may be an amphibian breeding habitat? N Remember: Amphibians can breed in aM variety of wetland types, N a flashlight including ponds that dry up every year (”vernal pools”) and wet meadows. A N a clipboard and several pencils Please answer theS following questions about the wetland the amphibians were in, or about N a watch the wetland nearest to the on-land locations of the amphibians you found: N a tape recorder and a blank tape for recording calls you do not know What land uses are directly adjacent to the wetland? Check all that apply: N an outdoor thermometer. Other gauges would be useful if available, including an anemometer (for measur- Undisturbed natural area Cropland (list types) ing wind speed), a hygrometer (for measuring relative humidity), and a barometer (for measuring barometric Suburban residences pressure). See data guidelines for suggestions regarding these measurements. Urban residences Rangeland (pasture) for cattle N at home, a resource for identifying frog and toad calls (see page 33) and a field guide for area amphibians Rural residences Rangeland (pasture) for other livestock (list types) Recreation area (describe) X Industry/Manufacturing (describe) national forest picnic Setting up the route... ground Other We have provided you with a pre- water at some time. These map provided. While looking for selected starting point and a map wetlands will be your “listening stops it is also important to make What is the area like in general? Check all that apply: of the locality. During January or posts” for the call counts. Each sure the roads are appropriate for early February you need to set up wetland must be at least 0.5 miles stopping. If they are too busy, too Wilderness Rural residential area your survey route. Driving along apart. This ensures that you do dangerous, private roads, or poorly Relatively undisturbed natural area Recreational area public roads in the direction not hear overlapping calls from maintained, then the routes may X Suburban residential area Farming/ranching community provided, locate the first 10 two adjacent listening posts. be shifted to the nearest set of Urban residential area Industrial area Other (describe) wetlands you encounter along Record the wetland types on the appropriate roads that travel in either side of the road. Wetlands Ground-truthing Form using the the same direction. Contact Please return data sheets and map by NOV. 30 to: can include ponds, temporary categories described in the Data TPW for more information on Texas Amphibian Watch, Texas Parks and Wildlife pools, ditches, etc.–basically any Guide on page 32. Mark the shifting routes. Please send a 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704 site which holds some standing listening posts with an “X” on the copy of your map back to us. Nocturnal Roadside 19

Please feel free Count Guidelines Adopt-a-Frog Pond • Malformation Monitoring Data Sheet to photocopy forms.

Site Data

Route number: to be assigned by TPW Frog and Toad Survey County: Directions to starting point:

How to conduct your counts... Conduct one count during each of you suggestions on completing these until you have finished the route. At the survey periods recommended for sections. Next, listen for 5 minutes, the end record your final weather Observer Data your region (a map is shown on page recording a call index for each conditions. 27). You should run the route species heard. The call index (CI) is Name: Daytime phone: during periods of high humidity and based on three levels: CI = 1 – only You’ll need to run your route at least Address: Evening phone: within 72 hours after rain. Start the a few individuals of the species are three times each year according to Fax: survey 30 minutes after sunset, and distinctly heard; CI = 2 – calls of the map on page 27. complete the survey by 1 a.m. several individuals overlap; CI = 3 – City/St/Zip: E-mail: Approach the listening post cau- so many individuals of the species Send your data sheets and maps into tiously, listening for frogs and toads are calling that calls are overlapping TPW by NOVEMBER 30. We’ll as you approach (close your car doors and indistinguishable. (See page 31 compile all the data and send you an quietly!). for more information.) Also note annual report. Then we hope you’ll Distance from Wetland type any frogs and toads that you happen continue to monitor the activities of starting point (see Data Guide) Notes After arriving at Stop 1, fill out to see and record any night birds the frogs and toads on your route for (miles) portions of the data sheet, including that you hear. Record your observa- many years to come. the date, beginning time, and tions, move on to the next stop, and Stop 1 weather data. The Data Guide offers follow the same steps. Repeat this Stop 2

Stop 3 Some special notes... Stop 4 The North American Amphibian owners during the course of your you choose and stay consistent each Stop 5 Monitoring Program assigns the volunteer efforts and do not leave time you run your route. It is location of these random routes; road rights-of-way when setting up recommended that at least two Stop 6 however, you are welcome to set up or conducting your counts. people conduct each count. Stop 7 additional routes of your own in other locations. In fact, if you would Be sure to take safety precautions. If wetland sites along your route are Stop 8 like to participate in the NAAMP When setting up your route avoid destroyed, please continue to program in Texas, then practicing high-traffic roads, for safety reasons maintain your listening posts Stop 9 the techniques on a route of your and because traffic will interfere with there–your data will give us informa- Stop 10 own for a year or two might be a your ability to hear calls. Be sure to tion on amphibian habitat trends. good idea. park well off the road and watch for You should, however, note changes traffic as you exit your car. You may along your route, whether it is the The Texas Frog and Toad Survey is also listen from inside your car with creation or destruction of wetlands. Be sure to mark all stops on your map. Please return map and form by MARCH 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch designed as a roadside survey. Please the windows down if that is a safer Remember, all stops must be at least Texas Parks and Wildlife respect the rights of private property option. Simply note which option 0.5 miles apart. 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78704 20 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, Nocturnal Roadside you may wish to photocopy this page. Count Guidelines Please feel free Frog and Toad Survey • Ground-truthing Form to photocopy forms.

Site Data

Route number: to be assigned by TPW Frog and Toad Survey County: Directions to starting point:

Stop 3 Some special notes... Stop 4 The North American Amphibian owners during the course of your you choose and stay consistent each Stop 5 Monitoring Program assigns the volunteer efforts and do not leave time you run your route. It is location of these random routes; road rights-of-way when setting up recommended that at least two Stop 6 however, you are welcome to set up or conducting your counts. people conduct each count. Stop 7 additional routes of your own in other locations. In fact, if you would Be sure to take safety precautions. If wetland sites along your route are Stop 8 like to participate in the NAAMP When setting up your route avoid destroyed, please continue to program in Texas, then practicing high-traffic roads, for safety reasons maintain your listening posts Stop 9 the techniques on a route of your and because traffic will interfere with there–your data will give us informa- Stop 10 own for a year or two might be a your ability to hear calls. Be sure to tion on amphibian habitat trends. good idea. park well off the road and watch for You should, however, note changes traffic as you exit your car. You may along your route, whether it is the The Texas Frog and Toad Survey is also listen from inside your car with creation or destruction of wetlands. Be sure to mark all stops on your map. Please return map and form by MARCH 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch designed as a roadside survey. Please the windows down if that is a safer Remember, all stops must be at least Texas Parks and Wildlife respect the rights of private property option. Simply note which option 0.5 miles apart. 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78704 To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. you may wish to photocopy this page. Please feel free North American Frog and Toad Survey • Ground-truthing Form to photocopy forms. Frog and Toad Survey Form Amphibian Monitoring Program

Site Data Observer number: to be assigned by NAAMP ROUTE INFORMATION Route number: to be assigned by TPW 83157 Route Route Survey Run E number: name: State: date: number: County: Hays L Directions to starting point: ~5 mi. NE of Driftwood P@ intersection of OBSERVER INFORMATION FM 1826 and MFM 967 First name: Middle initial: Last name: A Please complete address or contact information below only if it has changed. S Address: Phone: Observer Data Name: Lee Ann Linam Daytime phone: 512-847-9480 E-mail: Address: 200 Hoots Holler Rd. Evening phone: 512-847-9480 City: State: Zip: Fax: 512-847-9480 DIRECTIONS City/St/Zip: E-mail: Be sure to complete the whole datasheet, don't forget the Date and Run Number above. At the start and finish of each run record the Wimberley, TX 78676 [email protected] time, wind speed, and sky code. At each stop listen for 5 minutes, then record the amphibian calling index for each species heard and the additional requested information.

There are two kinds of noise disturbance questions: “Was noise a factor?” Means did background noise impact your ability to hear. Distance from “Did you take a timeout?” If an unexpected noise disturbance happens (such as a train) that lasts a minute or more, you may Wetland type starting point Notes interrupt the 5 minute listening period to ignore the sudden disturbance, finish up the listening time after (see Data Guide) the disturbance has passed. Do not include this type of noise in the “was noise a factor” question. (miles) INDEX AND CODE DEFINITIONS Stop 1 0.35 stream (large, ~20 ft) Onion Creek @ Salt Lick Amphibian Calling Index Beaufort Wind Codes Stop 2 1 = Individuals can be counted; there is 0 = Calm (<1 mph) smoke rises vertically 1.8 stream (intermittent, 8 ft. wide) wet weather creek space between calls 1 = Light Air (1-3 mph) smoke drifts, weather vane inactive Stop 3 Onion Creek is about 100 yd. off 2 = Calls of individuals can be distinguished 2 = Light Breeze (4-7 mph) leaves rustle, can feel wind on face 2.5 stream (large, ~20 ft.) right-hand side of road but there is some overlapping of calls 3 = Gentle Breeze (8-12 mph) leaves and twigs move around; small flag Stop 4 3 = Full chorus; calls are constant, extends 3.15 stream (intermittent) Onion Creek - stop before bridge continuous and overlapping 4* = Moderate Breeze (13-18 mph) moves thin branches, raises loose papers * do not conduct survey at Level 4 unless in Great Plains region Stop 5 5.1 stream (5 ft, intermittent) wet weather creek Sky Codes 5**= Fresh Breeze (19 mph or greater) small trees begin to sway 0 = Few clouds ** do not conduct survey at Level 5 ALL REGIONS Stop 6 1 = Partly cloudy (scattered) or variable sky 6.2 pond (man-made) stock tank on left side 2 = Cloudy or overcast Noise Index Stop 7 4 = Fog or smoke 0 = No appreciable effect (owl calling) 7.0 stream (small, 15 ft) Onion Creek - stop after bridge 5 = Drizzle or light rain (not affecting 1 = Slightly affecting sampling (distant traffic, dog barking, 1 car passing) hearing ability) 2 = Moderately affecting sampling (nearby traffic, 2-5 cars passing) Stop 8 7.7 pond (man-made) impoundment in creek on left 7 = Snow 3 = Seriously affecting sampling (continuous traffic nearby, 6-10 cars) 8 = Showers (is affecting hearing ability) 4 = Profoundly affecting sampling (continuous traffic passing, construction Stop 9 8.4 stream (10 ft, intermittent) pull over to left shoulder do not conduct survey noise) Stop 10 9.85 stream (8 ft, intermittent) ADDITIONAL NOTES Moon phase: Relative humidity – start: Relative humidity – end:

Be sure to mark all stops on your map. Please return map and form by MARCH 30 to: Texas Amphibian Watch Listened from (circle one): Inside car / Outside car Remember, all stops must be at least Texas Parks and Wildlife Other notes: 0.5 miles apart. 3000 IH-35 South, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78704

Please continue filling in survey on other side To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. you may wish to photocopy this page. Please feel free North American Frog and Toad Survey • Ground-truthing Form to photocopy forms. Frog and Toad Survey Form Amphibian Monitoring Program

Please continue filling in survey on other side RUN INFORMATION To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. Start Finish North American Time (military) Frog and Toad Survey Form Amphibian Monitoring Program

circle o o Air Temp. (stops 1 & 10) one C F Address: S Phone: Was noise a factor? Check if yes E-mail: Did you take a timeout? Check if yes City: State: Zip: Species Stop # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DIRECTIONS Be sure to complete the whole datasheet, don't forget the Date and Run Number above. At the start and finish of each run record the time, wind speed, and sky code. At each stop listen for 5 minutes, then record the amphibian calling index for each species heard and the additional requested information.

There are two kinds of noise disturbance questions: “Was noise a factor?” Means did background noise impact your ability to hear. “Did you take a timeout?” If an unexpected noise disturbance happens (such as a train) that lasts a minute or more, you may interrupt the 5 minute listening period to ignore the sudden disturbance, finish up the listening time after the disturbance has passed. Do not include this type of noise in the “was noise a factor” question. INDEX AND CODE DEFINITIONS Amphibian Calling Index Beaufort Wind Codes 1 = Individuals can be counted; there is 0 = Calm (<1 mph) smoke rises vertically space between calls 1 = Light Air (1-3 mph) smoke drifts, weather vane inactive 2 = Calls of individuals can be distinguished 2 = Light Breeze (4-7 mph) leaves rustle, can feel wind on face but there is some overlapping of calls 3 = Gentle Breeze (8-12 mph) leaves and twigs move around; small flag 3 = Full chorus; calls are constant, extends continuous and overlapping 4* = Moderate Breeze (13-18 mph) moves thin branches, raises loose papers * do not conduct survey at Level 4 unless in Great Plains region Sky Codes 5**= Fresh Breeze (19 mph or greater) small trees begin to sway 0 = Few clouds ** do not conduct survey at Level 5 ALL REGIONS 1 = Partly cloudy (scattered) or variable sky 2 = Cloudy or overcast Noise Index 4 = Fog or smoke 0 = No appreciable effect (owl calling) 5 = Drizzle or light rain (not affecting 1 = Slightly affecting sampling (distant traffic, dog barking, 1 car passing) hearing ability) 2 = Moderately affecting sampling (nearby traffic, 2-5 cars passing) 7 = Snow 3 = Seriously affecting sampling (continuous traffic nearby, 6-10 cars) 8 = Showers (is affecting hearing ability) 4 = Profoundly affecting sampling (continuous traffic passing, construction do not conduct survey noise) ADDITIONAL NOTES Moon phase: Relative humidity – start: Relative humidity – end: between 1st Quarter & full 68% 72% Listened from (circle one): Inside car / Outside car Other notes: Noise scale Number of cars that passed

If you have any additional notes, please write them at the bottom on the front of this sheet. Thank you for your participation! Please continue filling in survey on other side RUN INFORMATION To aid us in conserving paper and reducing printing costs, you may wish to photocopy this page. Start Finish North American Time (military) Frog and Toad Survey Form Amphibian Monitoring Program

Wind (Beaufort Scale) 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 mark X in appropriate box Observer number: to be assigned by NAAMP Sky (see code explanation) 0 1 2 4 5 7 8 0 1 2 4 5 7 8 ROUTE INFORMATION mark X in appropriate box Route Route Survey Run number: name: State: date: E number: # of days since last rainfall 830157 Driftwood TX LApril 2, 1999 2 OBSERVER INFORMATIONP PER-STOP INFORMATION First name: Lee MiddleM initial: A Last name: Linam Stop # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Please complete addressA or contact information below only if it has changed. Start Time (military) circle o o Air Temp. (stops 1 & 10) one C F Address: S Phone: Was noise a factor? Check if yes E-mail: Did you take a timeout? Check if yes City: State: Zip: Species Stop # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DIRECTIONS Be sure to complete the whole datasheet, don't forget the Date and Run Number above. At the start and finish of each run record the time, wind speed, and sky code. At each stop listen for 5 minutes, then record the amphibian calling index for each species heard and the additional requested information.

If you have any additional notes, please write them at the bottom on the front of this sheet. Thank you for your participation! Please continue filling in survey on other side RUN INFORMATION 27 Start Finish NAAMP Anuran Sampling Time (military) 21:43 23:36 Wind (Beaufort Scale) 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 mark X in appropriate box Periods in Texas Sky (see code explanation) 0 1X 2 4 5 7 8 0 1X 2 4 5 7 8 mark X in appropriate box X EX Breeding seasons are considered to be year-round for most of the state. Sampling at all sites is recom- # of days since last rainfall <1 L mended following a significant (>0.5”) rainfall. Sampling seasons are indicated only for those counties for P which NAAMP roadside routes have been generated. PER-STOPM INFORMATION Stop # 1 A2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 North/East Texas Start Time (military) 21:43 21:55 22:07 22:20 22:35 22:49 23:00 23:08 23:20 23:36 circle o o Air Temp. (stops 1 & 10) one C F S 1) February 1 - March 15 72 65 Was noise a factor? Check if yes 2) April 1 - April 30 Did you take a timeout? Check if yes 3) May 15 - June 30 Species Stop # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4) optional September 1 - October 15 Cricket frog 3 0 2 2 0 2 2 3 0 0 Gray treefrog 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 Gulf Coast toad 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 Cliff chirping frog 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

Central Texas 1) February 1 - February 29 2) March 15 - April 30 Coastal Texas 3) May 15 - June 30 1) January 15 - February 29 4) optional July 15 - August 31 2) March 15 - April 30 3) June 15 - July 31 South Texas 4) optional September 15 - October 31 1) January 15 - February 29 2) April 15 - May 31

Noise scale 3) August 15 - September 30 4 3 2 1 3 1 2 2 0 2 Number of cars that passed 8 6 3 0 7 1 4 2 0 2 4) optional October 15 - November 30 If you have any additional notes, please write them at the bottom on the front of this sheet. Thank you for your participation! RUN INFORMATION 27 Start Finish NAAMP Anuran Sampling Time (military) 21:43 23:36 Wind (Beaufort Scale) 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 mark X in appropriate box Periods in Texas Sky (see code explanation) 0 1X 2 4 5 7 8 0 1X 2 4 5 7 8 mark X in appropriate box X EX Breeding seasons are considered to be year-round for most of the state. Sampling at all sites is recom- # of days since last rainfall <1 L mended following a significant (>0.5”) rainfall. Sampling seasons are indicated only for those counties for P which NAAMP roadside routes have been generated. PER-STOPM INFORMATION Stop # 1 A2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 North/East Texas Start Time (military) 21:43 21:55 22:07 22:20 22:35 22:49 23:00 23:08 23:20 23:36 circle o o Air Temp. (stops 1 & 10) one C F S 1) February 1 - March 15 72 65 Was noise a factor? Check if yes 2) April 1 - April 30 Did you take a timeout? Check if yes 3) May 15 - June 30 Species Stop # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4) optional September 1 - October 15 Cricket frog 3 0 2 2 0 2 2 3 0 0 Gray treefrog 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 Gulf Coast toad 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 Cliff chirping frog 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

To the landowner:

Courteous Frogging ______(volunteer name) is participating as a volunteer in Texas Amphibian Watch. Texas Amphibian Watch is a monitoring program that uses citizen volunteers to gather data about the status and health of frogs, toads, and salamanders in Texas. Although very few of these species are considered threatened or endangered, they can be valuable indicators of the health of our environment. Texas Parks and Wildlife is very pleased to Legislation in Texas protects the when you do roadside call counts have the assistance of concerned Texans in watching over the health of these native species. rights of private property owners surveys, as long as you are on A sk Permission! We have, however, instructed our volunteers that they cannot collect data on private land without the approval of during the course of your volun- public roads. the private landowner. Accordingly, we have prepared this form for your approval. The sections described below are teer efforts. You should approach the releases that we and our volunteers are required to obtain from you under Section 12.103 of the Texas Parks Some of you are lucky enough to the property owner and explain If you will be working on public and Wildlife Code. If you approve, then please sign one or both sections and provide a copy to our volunteer. have a pond or wetland with frogs what you’re doing and why and property, then you won’t have to 1. Use of information in your own backyard! If that’s when you’d like to visit their get a signed permission form, but This documents my approval for TPW volunteers and employees to use (such as in analyses) site specific the case you only need to collect property. You’ll then need to get you should seek verbal permission information from the property I own or manage. This may include placing that information onto a the data and send to us. We’ll the landowner to sign a from the site manager. Once topographic map and entering the information into a Department database. Thus, the information could be viewed by the public. assume that we have your permis- Landowner Access Form to grant again, explain what you’re doing sion to store the data, analyze it, you permission to gather data, to and why and when you’ll be ______and produce reports based on the provide it to Texas Parks and visiting the property. They’re (Landowner or authorized agent signature) (Date) data from that location. Wildlife, and to allow us to use likely to be very supportive of 2. Reporting information However, if you would like to the data in preparing reports. your efforts, but they may have to This also documents my approval for TPW volunteers and employees to report (such as in publications or technical reports) the above approved information in a manner that permits identification of the location gather information on property The Landowner Access Form is issue you a special permit to enter of the specific parcel of property that I own or manage. other than your own, then you’ll on the next page. Landowner the area after dark, to capture have to seek permission. permission forms are not required animals, etc. ______(Landowner or authorized agent signature) (Date)

3. Other conditions Use the Landowner Access Form If there are any conditions that apply to this approval, please specify and initial below. ______on the next page if you wish ______to gather information ______on private property! Name and Address (of landowner or authorized agent): Optional: A signed Landowner Access Form will grant you Name Name of ranch or tract permission to gather data, to provide it to Texas Parks Address County and Wildlife, and to allow us to use the data in City, State, Zip Acreage preparing reports. Phone numbers Location 28 29 Texas Amphibian Watch Private Lands Access Request Form

To the landowner:

Data Guide for Amphibian Surveys

Climatic Conditions: Air temp The best option is to have an outdoor thermometer. You can also call time/temp phone numbers or obtain temperatures from local radio or TV; however, temperatures in rural settings often differ significantly from temperatures in nearby urban settings.

Wind – Record the actual wind speed or use the Beaufort scale described below. Indicate the direction from which the wind is coming. (for example: B2 SW) Surveys should not be conducted when wind speeds exceed 12 mph. B0 (less than 1 mph) – calm/still: smoke will rise vertically. B1 (1-3 mph) – light air: rising smoke drifts; weather vane is inactive. B2 (4-7 mph) – light breeze: leaves rustle; can feel wind on your face; weather vane is inactive B3 (8-12 mph) – gentle breeze: leaves and twigs move around; light weight flags extend. B4 (13-18 mph) – moderate breeze: moves thin branches, raises dust and paper. B5 (19-24 mph) – fresh breeze: medium tree branches move.

Sky – use the following National Weather Bureau guide: 0 – Few clouds 2 – Cloudy or overcast 5 – Drizzle 1 – Partly cloudy or variable sky 4 – Fog or smoke 8 – Showers Counts may be very effective in light rain, but avoid heavy rain which may impair your ability to hear calls.

Moon – check a calendar to record the closest moon phase (New moon, First quarter, Full moon, Third quarter)

Water level – describe as average, below average, above average, much below average, or much above average.

Barometric Pressure and Relative Humidity – these two variables may be very important in amphibian calling activity. If your site is located near a National Weather Service station, then you can obtain current data from the Internet. Some local radio and television news programs will also provide these numbers, although they can change quickly over the course of an evening.

Background Noise low – does not impair ability to hear calls; medium – some noise; may obscure some calls; high – definitely affects effectiveness of call count

Amphibian Call Index: This index is used to give a very rough relative abundance for each amphibian species calling at a site. Index Value 0: No individuals calling Index Value 1: Individuals can be counted. There is space between calls. Index Value 2: Calls of individuals can be distinguished, but there is some overlapping of calls. Index Value 3: Full chorus. Calls are constant, continuous, and overlapping. 31

Data Guide for Amphibian Surveys

Moon – check a calendar to record the closest moon phase (New moon, First quarter, Full moon, Third quarter)

Water level – describe as average, below average, above average, much below average, or much above average.

Background Noise low – does not impair ability to hear calls; medium – some noise; may obscure some calls; high – definitely affects effectiveness of call count

Data Guide for Amphibian Surveys Amphibian References

Texas Wetland Types: Tapes and CDs – except where noted below, these are often available in nature stores. Texas boasts a wide variety of wetland types–both natural and man-made. The list below includes the types most likely to be encountered during amphibian surveys, but may not be exhaustive. Feel free to describe your wetland type if it Voices of the Night – contains recordings of 36 frog and toad species found in eastern North America, including the does not fit the descriptions below. eastern half of Texas, along with information about the species. Distributed by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (607) 266-7425. Cost approximately $11.

Bog – Found in East Texas, these are sites found on acid peat soils that are low in nutrients. They have Frog and Toad Calls of the Rocky Mountains and Southwest – contains species found in the western part of Texas, among essentially no water flow in or out. Vegetation includes low shrubs, herbs, and a few tree species, with others. Distributed by Cornell Laboratory (607) 266-7425. the ground cover dominated by sphagnum moss. Some are very overgrown with vegetation, while others may contain areas of open water. The Calls of Frogs and Toads - Eastern and Central North America – contains recordings and written information about 42 species of frogs and toads found east of the Great Plains. Side two contains a guide to variations in calls and interpreta- Ditch – Ditches are obviously man-made linear wetland habitat, with a wide array of native and non-native tion of mixed species choruses. Distributed by One Good Tern 1-800-432-8376. Cost approximately $14. vegetation. Despite their artificial nature, many ditches are used by amphibians as breeding habitat. Lake – Lakes are described as any body of water over 20 acres in size dominated by deep open water. A Guide to Night Sounds – contains recordings of night birds and insects (useful for comparison to anuran calls.) Vegetation and anuran habitat is usually limited to the shallow areas along the shore. With only one Distributed by One Good Tern 1-800-432-8376. natural freshwater lake in Texas, most lakes are actually man-made reservoirs. Frogs and Toads of North Central Texas – This tape contains recordings of frogs and toads of the Dallas-Fort Worth Marsh – Marshes are any wetland characterized as maintaining water year round and dominated by herba- metroplex and surrounding areas. Side two contains recordings of other night creatures and a guide to interpreting frog ceous, non-woody vegetation. Water depths can vary but are not usually greater than 3 feet. and toad choruses. Contact TPW Urban Fish and Wildlife Program (972-293-3841). Common plant species include cattails, rushes, sedges, and grasses, along with submergent plants in the more open water areas. In West Texas spring-fed marshes are known as cienegas. Texas Amphibian Watch Guide to the Calls of Frogs and Toads in Texas – contains recordings of frogs and toads in Texas. Side two contains recordings of other night creatures and a guide to interpreting frog and toad choruses. Available from Pond – These are lakes smaller than 20 acres in size. Vegetation can vary, but anuran habitat is usually Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife (1-800-792-1112 x7011). Cost: $5. restricted to shallow areas near the shore. Please indicate whether natural or man-made. Swamp – Found most frequently in East Texas, these wetlands are dominated by woody vegetation. Standing Field Guides – these are available in most book stores and nature stores. Most paperback costs range from $12 to $16. water is usually present year-round. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America – by Roger Conant and Joseph T. Collins. Stream – Streams include a variety of wetland habitats from small, intermittent drainages to large rivers in Color drawings, maps, and text for all Texas species. Part of the Peterson Field Guide series, published in 1991 by Texas. Anurans are most likely to utilize the edges of slow-moving stream bodies, but some salaman- Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. ders are adapted to using deeper water (for example, amphiuma and sirens in East Texas streams) or faster flow areas (for example, the spring-dwelling Eurycea salamanders found in Central Texas Reptiles and Amphibians (Golden Series) – by H.S. Zim & H. M. Smith. Color drawings, maps and text for most Texas streams). Streams should be characterized on the data form as intermittent, small (less than 15 feet species. Published by Golden Books. Cost is $5-7. in width), or large (more than 15 feet in width). Spring-fed stream habitat should also be noted. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians – by J.L. Behler and F. W. King. Photos, Temporary Pool – This category includes “puddles.” A temporary pool is defined as any non-permanent water body that maps, and text. Published in 1985 by Alfred A. Knopf. is not part of a larger wetland complex as described above. Temporary pools most often result from spring rains, although they may occur in the summer and fall in West Texas. Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas with Keys, Taxonomic Synopses, Bibliography, and Distribution – by J. Dixon. A more technical book, with distribution maps by county, but fewer illustrations. Published by Texas A&M Press. Wet Meadow – These areas are dominated by grasses, sedges, and rushes and may appear prairie-like for most of the year. In areas with water-logged soils, however, water can stand during the spring and support breeding amphibians. 32 33

Data Guide for Amphibian Surveys Amphibian References

The following species have all been recorded in Texas, along with subspecies of some of the species listed below. The first column lists the scientific name, while the second column lists the common name. The third column Some Useful Information gives an indication of the species’ rarity on a global scale, while the fourth column indicates its rarity within the state (G5 and S5 species are the most common, while G1 and S1 species are the most rare). The fifth column indicates whether the species is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened (LT) or endangered (LE), while the sixth column indicates whether the species is listed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. There are several excellent Web sites that provide information about amphibians and amphibian monitoring programs. Also of Interest We are especially interested in whether you encounter any S1 or S2 species during the course of your frog- Amphibian Monitoring watching activities. It would be helpful if you could photograph or record any of these rare species. Please note www.tpwd.state.tx.us/amphibians/ Workshops that permits are required to collect species listed as threatened or endangered by the state or federal government. This site provides electronic copies of all the Texas Amphibian Watch materi- One of the best ways to get started als, as well as photos and calls for most of the frogs and toads of Texas. is to attend an amphibian monitor- SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME GRANK SRANK USESA SPROT ing workshop. Texas Amphibian BUFO AMERICANUS AMERICAN TOAD G5 S3 www.mp2-pwrc.usgs.gov/frogwatch Watch will offer several workshops BUFO COGNATUS GREAT PLAINS TOAD G5 S5 FrogWatch, an adopt-a-frog pond program sponsored by the USGS, each year. We highly recommend BUFO DEBILIS GREEN TOAD G5 S4 BUFO HOUSTONENSIS HOUSTON TOAD G1 S1 LE E can provide more information about nocturnal monitoring, that you attend a workshop before BUFO MARINUS GIANT TOAD G5 S2 as well as on-line reporting of data. joining the program (participants BUFO PUNCTATUS RED-SPOTTED TOAD G5 S5 in NAAMP will be required to BUFO SPECIOSUS TEXAS TOAD G5 G5 BUFO VALLICEPS GULF COAST TOAD G5 S5 www.zo.utexas.edu/research/txherps attend a workshop). Workshops BUFO WOODHOUSII WOODHOUSE’S TOAD G5 S5 will present information about the BUFO VELATUS EAST TEXAS TOAD G5 S4 This site, provided by the University of Texas, provides descriptions of biology and characteristics of ACRIS CREPITANS CRICKET FROG G5 S5 all the amphibians and reptiles in the state, photos of most species, HYLA ARENICOLOR CANYON TREEFROG G5 S4 amphibians in your area and and recordings of calls for most of the frogs and toads. HYLA CHRYSOSCELIS COPE’S GRAY TREEFROG G5 S5 detailed instructions for conducting HYLA CINEREA GREEN TREEFROG G5 S5 HYLA SQUIRELLA SQUIRREL TREEFROG G5 S5 amphibian monitoring. HYLA VERSICOLOR NORTHERN GRAY TREEFROG G5 S5 www.mp1-pwrc.usgs.gov/amphibs.html PSEUDACRIS CLARKII SPOTTED CHORUS FROG G5 S5 This site, provided by the Biological Resource Division of the U.S. Geological PSEUDACRIS STRECKERI STRECKER’S CHORUS FROG G5 S5 Classroom guides PSEUDACRIS TRISERIATA STRIPED CHORUS FROG G5 S5 Survey, provides information on the North American Amphibian Texas Amphibian Watch has also PSEUDACRIS CRUCIFER SPRING PEEPER G5 S5 Monitoring Program, including background on amphibian declines, adapted a curriculum guide about SMILISCA BAUDINII MEXICAN TREEFROG G5 S3 T LEPTODACTYLUS LABIALIS WHITE-LIPPED FROG G5 S1 T monitoring guidelines, and different state programs. amphibians for use in Texas SYRRHOPHUS CYSTIGNATHOIDES RIO GRANDE CHIRPING FROG G5 S3 classrooms. The curriculum guide SYRRHOPHUS GUTTILATUS SPOTTED CHIRPING FROG G4 S3 SYRRHOPHUS MARNOCKII CLIFF CHIRPING FROG G5 S5 www.frogweb.gov offers classroom activities that ELEUTHERODACTYLUS (HYLACTOPHRYNE) This site, provided by a variety of partners under the leadership of the allow teachers to expand upon the AUGUSTI BARKING FROG G4 S4 field activities described above. GASTROPHRYNE CAROLINENSIS EASTERN NARROWMOUTH TOAD G5 S5 U.S. Geological Survey, is an education-oriented site designed to gather GASTROPHRYNE OLIVACEA GREAT PLAINS NARROWMOUTH TOAD G5 S5 information about the occurrence of malformations in amphibians. HYPOPACHUS VARIOLOSUS SHEEP FROG G5 S2 T Other monitoring programs SCAPHIOPUS COUCHII COUCH’S SPADEFOOT G5 S5 SCAPHIOPUS HOLBROOKII (HURTERII) EASTERN SPADEFOOT G5 S5 Finally, don’t forget that the Texas SPEA BOMBIFRONS PLAINS SPADEFOOT G5 S5 Amphibian Watch activities can SPEA MULTIPLICATA NEW MEXICO SPADEFOOT G5 S5 mesh well with some other moni- RANA AREOLATA CRAWFISH FROG G4 S3 RANA BERLANDIERI RIO GRANDE LEOPARD FROG G5 S5 NOTICE: toring programs, such as Adopt-a- RANA BLAIRI PLAINS LEOPARD FROG G5 S5 Wetland and Texas Watch water RANA CATESBEIANA BULLFROG G5 S5 Texas Parks and Wildlife receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the quality monitoring. Texas Parks RANA CLAMITANS GREEN FROG G5 S5 Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the RANA GRYLIO PIG FROG G5 S2 Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its and Wildlife also has other citizen RANA PALUSTRIS PICKEREL FROG G5 S5 bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any Texas Parks and Wildlife program, activity, or facility, or if you monitoring programs in which you RANA PIPIENS NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG G5 S1 desire further information, please call or write: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Civil Rights RANA SPHENOCEPHALA SOUTHERN LEOPARD FROG G5 S5 may be interested. Programs - External Programs, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Webb 300, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 358-1724. RHINOPHRYNUS DORSALIS MEXICAN BURROWING TOAD G5 S2 T 34 35 List of Frogs and Toads Found in Texas