DOCSLIB.ORG

Translocating an Entire Population of Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris Crepitans Blanchardi) in Southeast Michigan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Translocating an Entire Population of Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris Crepitans Blanchardi) in Southeast Michigan Amphibian Conservation Strategies: Translocating an Entire Population of Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi) in Southeast Michigan Ariana Rickard,1 Abstract Edi Sonntag,2 and The dramatic decline of amphibian populations worldwide is an urgent conserva- Kevin Zippel3 tion issue. The root causes underlying many amphibian declines are unknown. One Michigan species of Special Concern, the Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris crepitans 1School of Natural Resources blanchardi), is declining at an alarming rate in the northern portions of its range. In and Environment May 2004, the National Amphibian Conservation Center (NACC) at the Detroit University of Michigan, Zoo initiated a translocation project to reintroduce Blanchard’s cricket frog to three Ann Arbor manmade wetlands at the northern extent of its range. Calling surveys in south- 430 E. University east Michigan revealed several robust populations of cricket frogs including one Ann Arbor, MI 48109 [email protected] site slated for development in the fall of 2004. Working with the developer and the Department of Environmental Quality, we successfully removed about 1,050 frogs 2National Amphibian and tadpoles from the threatened breeding ponds. The animals were released into Conservation Center two Michigan Department of Natural Resource restored lake plain prairie com- Detroit Zoological Institute plexes with wetland features, and into a restored wetland near the NACC in fall of 8450 West Ten Mile Rd. 2004. These translocated populations will be monitored in subsequent breeding Royal Oak, MI 48068-0039 seasons to assess the success of the translocation project. 3 25 Spring Street Resumen Union Springs, NY 13160 La drástica disminución de poblaciones de ranas alrededor del mundo es un problema de conservación urgente. Las causas fundamentales de muchas de estas disminuciones son desconocidas. Una especie de preocupación especial en Michi- gan, el Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi), esta decayendo a una velocidad alarmante en el parte norte de su cobertura. En mayo de 2004, el Centro Nacional de Conservación Anfibio (NACC) en el zoo de Detroit empezó un proyecto de traslocación para re-introducir la rana Blanchards en tres humedales artificiales en la parte norte de su cobertura. Estudios de las llamadas en el suroeste de Michi- gan ha revelado algunas poblaciones robustas de las ranas, incluyendo un sitio planeado para la construcción de casas en el otoño de 2004. En colaboración con el diseñador y el Departamento de Calidad Ambiental, hemos retirado con buen éxito 1,500 ranas y renacuajos de los estanques amenazados. Los animales fueron liberados en dos lagos restaurados del Departamento de Recursos Naturales con características de humedales, y en un humedal restaurado cerca de NACC en el otoño de 2004. Estas poblaciones translocadas serán vigiladas en las etapas siguientes de cría para evaluar el éxito del proyecto de traslocación. 128 Endangered Species UPDATE Vol. 21 No. 4 2004 According to a recent global sur- populations of Blanchard’s cricket vey of all 5,743 known amphibian frog have declined drastically in the species, almost a third (1,856 spe- northern portions of its range cies) are threatened with extinction (Harding 2000). These declines (IUCN, CI, and NatureServe 2004). have been documented in Ontario, An additional 1,300 other species Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, are probably also threatened, but Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota. scientists did not have sufficient While the species has been extir- data to assess their status (Ibid.). pated from some areas, such as Amphibian populations are declin- Ontario and most of southeast ing more rapidly than either birds Michigan, the cricket frog remains or mammals (Ibid.). While many common in the southern and west- Figure 1. Acris crepitans blanchardi amphibian declines can be attrib- ern parts of its range. Potential uted to habitat loss and causes for this decline include con- overexploitation, the root causes of tamination of wetlands and water- other species declines are un- ways by pesticides or other pollut- known. The Blanchard’s cricket ants, successional changes in habi- frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi), a tat characteristics, climatic fluctua- Michigan species of Special Con- tions, competition and predation cern, is declining in some areas of from other frog species (e.g., bull- the Midwest, and scientists have frogs and green frogs), drought, not been able to determine why the acid rain, and habitat loss and frag- species is threatened in the north- mentation (Lehtinen 2004, Harding ern extent of its range. 2000). Some life history character- Blanchard’s cricket frog is a istics of this frog, such as a short life small (0.6 to 1.5 in), warty-skinned span and limited dispersal, might frog with long hind limbs and is re- make it especially vulnerable to pe- lated to tree frogs, but lacks toe pads riodic extinctions at the periphery on its feet and does not climb. They of its range. To test the hypothesis usually inhabit the more open that cricket frogs are declining in edges of permanent ponds, bogs, southeast Michigan due to the loss lakes, and slow-moving streams or of migration corridors, which allow rivers (Harding 2000). Blanchard’s for recolonization in new areas, cricket frog is one of three subspe- Kevin Zippel, former curator of the cies of the northern cricket frog National Amphibian Conservation (Acris crepitans) and ranges from Center (NACC), initiated a translo- southern Michigan, Wisconsin, and cation project to try to establish a southeastern South Dakota south self-sustaining population of cricket through Texas, west to northern frogs in a restored wetland at the Mexico, and east to northern Ten- Detroit Zoo. nessee. The call of this cricket frog Ariana Rickard, a summer in- resembles a series of metallic clicks, tern at NACC, conducted the ini- similar to the sound made when tial population surveys to identify two pebbles are tapped together viable local populations that could (Harding 2000). Blanchard’s cricket be used as source animals for the frog was named in 1947 after dis- translocation project. Rickard fol- tinguished University of Michigan lowed up on population surveys herpetologist Frank Nelson done by Richard Lehtinen on the Blanchard. distribution of Blanchard’s cricket Since the late 1970s and 1980s, frog in southeastern Michigan Vol. 21 No. 4 2004 Endangered Species UPDATE 129 (Lehtinen 2002). Between May 18 cricket frogs and two threatened and July 9, 2001, Lehtinen surveyed plant species. After ASTI concluded 60 sites that historically hosted that there were no cricket frogs on cricket frog populations. Only two the property, the developer stated of these sites in southeast Michigan, that it didn’t “make sense” for them Ypsilanti and Tecumseh, had cricket to give NACC permission to relo- frogs and full choruses of males. cate the frogs. Lehtinen concluded, “Blanchard’s ASTI surveyed the site three cricket frogs are not only declining, times in April and May 2004 and but are nearly extirpated from concluded, “the site does not con- southeast Michigan.” On May 18, tain the preferred habitat for the 2004, Rickard visited the same site subject species . None of the sub- Lehtinen surveyed in Ypsilanti and ject species were encountered dur- heard cricket frogs calling from ing the assessment” (ASTI Threat- three different sites near Ford Lake. ened and Endangered Species Sur- One property, Lakewood Farms, vey 2004). However the consult- seemed to host the largest popula- ants’ survey was performed with- tion of cricket frogs in the area. out proper consideration for the an- After Rickard located the nual cycle of the cricket frogs, and cricket frog populations from the surveys were conducted when nighttime calling surveys near Ford the Blanchard’s cricket frogs were Lake, she identified the owners and unlikely to be found during visual development plans for the breed- encounter surveys. Calling surveys ing ponds. The developer of Lake- conducted during this frog’s breed- wood Farms had plans to build con- ing season would have provided a dominiums and single-family more reliable assessment of the size homes on the property, and in- of the cricket frog population at tended to fill in the cricket frog Lakewood Farms. breeding ponds for the entrance Zoo staff contacted the Depart- driveway into the complex. The ment of Environmental Quality company had hired a consultant, (DEQ) and a DEQ representative, Applied Science and Technology, James Sallee, served as a liaison be- Inc. (ASTI), to survey the site for tween NACC and the developer. Lakewood Farms rescue site. Sallee convinced the developer to allow NACC to remove the frogs from the property before develop- ment began. Representatives of all parties involved surveyed the site in July 2004 and confirmed a sig- nificant numbers of cricket frogs. With this information, the DEQ mandated that Edi Sonntag, Senior Zookeeper at NACC, must approve plans for the required mitigation site. Sonntag is researching the habitat requirements of this species and was surveying the extant south- east Michigan populations. This survey information was then ap- plied to the design of the mitigation 130 Endangered Species UPDATE Vol. 21 No. 4 2004 site to assure replacement of appro- Literature Cited priate cricket frog habitat. Applied Science and Technology, Inc. Threat- Sonntag also began recruiting ened and Endangered Species Survey: Lake- volunteers for the frog rescue effort. wood Farms Property. May 28, 2004. After the Department of Natural Harding, J.H. 2000. Amphibians and Reptiles of Resources (DNR) approved emer- the Great Lakes Region. Ann Arbor: Univer- sity of Michigan Press. 378 pp. gency collection permits for the IUCN, Conservation International, and cricket frogs and the Zoo’s veteri- NatureServe. 2004. Global Amphibian Assess- nary staff completed health assess- ment. <www.globalamphibians.org>. Down- ments on the Lakewood Farms loaded on 17 November 2004. frogs to verify that there were no Lehtinen, R.M.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Complex Associations of Environmental Factors May Explain Blanchard’S Cricket Frog, Acris Blanchardi Declines and Drive Population Recovery
    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/272161; this version posted August 30, 2018. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. BIORXIV/2018/272161 Complex associations of environmental factors may explain Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, Acris blanchardi declines and drive population recovery. Malcolm L. McCallum1,2 and Stanley E. Trauth3 1P.O. Box 150, Langston, Oklahoma 64040. 2Current Address: Aquatic Resources Center, School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, E.L. Holloway Agriculture Research, Education, & Extension, Langston University, P.O. Box 1730, Langston, Oklahoma 73050, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 3P.O. Box 599, Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, Arkansas 72467. Abstract.−Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, Acris blanchardi, is a small hylid frog that was once among the most common amphibians in any part of its range. Today, it remains abundant in much of the southern portion of its range, but is now disappearing elsewhere. Our analysis of habitat characters observed across several states revealed interesting relationships of these factors with the abundance or presence of Blanchard’s Cricket Frog. Further, we later established two ½ acre ponds based on these relationships that led to immediate colonization of the ponds by cricket frogs followed by explosive production of juveniles less than a year later. Our findings suggest that habitat management for this species should specifically manage the shoreline grade and especially the aquatic floating vegetation to maximize population growth and sustenance. Introduction Conservation strategies are impaired when we lack a broad understanding of target’s natural history (Bury 2006; McCallum and McCallum 2006; Gilpin 1986).
    [Show full text]
  • NYSDEC Recovery Plan for NYS Populations of Northern Cricket Frog (Acris Crepitans)
    Recovery Plan for New York State Populations of the Northern Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans) Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources i TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments iv Executive summary v Introduction 1 Natural history --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxonomic status 1 Physical description 2 Range 2 Breeding biology 2 Developmental biology 3 Non-breeding biology 4 Status Assessment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Population status and distribution 5 Threats to the species 6 Habitat loss and degradation 6 Upland habitat loss and degradation 7 Aquatic habitat loss and degradation 8 Other chemical pollutants 9 Climate change 10 Parasites and pathogens 11 Ultraviolet radiation 12 Non-native species 12 Assessment of current conservation efforts 13 Research and monitoring 13 Regulatory protection 14 Recovery Strategy ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Goal 15 Strategy components 15 Recovery units 16 Recovery objectives 18 Recovery tasks 18 Monitoring tasks 19 Management tasks 19 Research tasks 20 Outreach tasks 21 Literature cited 22 Appendix I. Northern cricket frog Project screening process 42 Appendix II. Northern cricket frog Calling survey protocols 44 Appendix III. Population viability analysis 46 Appendix IV. Public comments and responses 66 iii Acknowledgments Thanks to Kelly McKean, Jason Martin and Kristen Marcell who provided significant review and
    [Show full text]
  • Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles & Crocodilians
    STANDARD COMMON AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC NAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS, TURTLES, REPTILES & CROCODILIANS Sixth Edition Joseph T. Collins TraVis W. TAGGart The Center for North American Herpetology THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY www.cnah.org Joseph T. Collins, Director The Center for North American Herpetology 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 (785) 393-4757 Single copies of this publication are available gratis from The Center for North American Herpetology, 1502 Medinah Circle, Lawrence, Kansas 66047 USA; within the United States and Canada, please send a self-addressed 7x10-inch manila envelope with sufficient U.S. first class postage affixed for four ounces. Individuals outside the United States and Canada should contact CNAH via email before requesting a copy. A list of previous editions of this title is printed on the inside back cover. THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY BO A RD OF DIRE ct ORS Joseph T. Collins Suzanne L. Collins Kansas Biological Survey The Center for The University of Kansas North American Herpetology 2021 Constant Avenue 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Kelly J. Irwin James L. Knight Arkansas Game & Fish South Carolina Commission State Museum 915 East Sevier Street P. O. Box 100107 Benton, Arkansas 72015 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 Walter E. Meshaka, Jr. Robert Powell Section of Zoology Department of Biology State Museum of Pennsylvania Avila University 300 North Street 11901 Wornall Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Kansas City, Missouri 64145 Travis W. Taggart Sternberg Museum of Natural History Fort Hays State University 3000 Sternberg Drive Hays, Kansas 67601 Front cover images of an Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) and Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei) by Suzanne L.
    [Show full text]
  • Carolina Herp Atlas
    T-37 Final Report FINAL PERFORMANCE REPORT South Carolina Project T-37-T, Segment 1 South Carolina Endangered Species Program South Carolina Department of Natural Resources October 1, 2008 – November 16, 2010 Steve J. Price and Michael E. Dorcas Davidson College Davidson, NC 28078 Project 1: Carolina Herp Atlas Job 1. Carolina Herp Atlas Objective 1. Provide detailed locality data on the reptiles and amphibians of the Carolinas, in particular those species whose distribution and status is poorly known. Accomplishments: The CHA was officially launched in March 2007. Prior to the launch, the Davidson College Herpetology Lab imported approximately 3900 records, primarily from Mecklenburg, Iredell, and Cabarrus counties in the western Piedmont of North Carolina. From March 2007 through November 16, 2010, the CHA totaled 839 registered users, 91 of which identified South Carolina as their home residence. The CHA received 4930 reptile and amphibian records from South Carolina. Of these 5008 records, 912 were accompanied by voucher photograph and/or given a status of 10. A total of 122 South Carolina reptile and amphibian species have at least 1 record in the CHA. Thus far, the CHA has collected species-level, distribution data on 151 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the occurrence of 32 anurans, 29 salamanders, 37 snakes, 11 lizards, 14 turtles, and the American alligator. The most commonly reported species include yellowbelly slider (Trachemys scripta; 341 records), banded watersnake (Nerodia fasciata; 277 records), southern cricket frog (Acris gryllus; 173 records), eastern worm snake (Carphophus amoenus; 169 records), black racer (Coluber constrictor; 147 records), cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus; 142 records), , Southern Leopard Frog (Rana sphenocephala; 132 records), rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta; 132 records) Cope’s Gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis; 131 records).
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Cricket Frog (Acris Crepitans)
    COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans in Canada ENDANGERED 2001 COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows: Please note: Persons wishing to cite data in the report should refer to the report (and cite the author(s)); persons wishing to cite the COSEWIC status will refer to the assessment (and cite COSEWIC). A production note will be provided if additional information on the status report history is required. COSEWIC. 2001. COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. v + 14 pp. (www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm). Britton, D. 2001. COSEWIC update status report on the Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans in Canada in COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 1-14 pp. Previous report(s): Oldham, M.J. and C.A. Campbell. 1990. COSEWIC status report on the Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 33 pp. Production note: Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans was, for several years, designated by COSEWIC as Blanchard’s Cricket Frog Acris crepitans blanchardi. For additional copies contact: COSEWIC Secretariat c/o Canadian Wildlife Service Environment Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Tel.: (819) 997-4991 / (819) 953-3215 Fax: (819) 994-3684 E-mail: COSEWIC/[email protected] http://www.cosewic.gc.ca Également disponible en français sous le titre Ếvaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur la rainette grillon (Acris crepitans) au Canada – Mise à jour.
    [Show full text]
  • A Taxonomic Study of the Genus Acris and the Status of Acris Crepitans Blanchardi (Harper), Blanchard's Cricket Frog, in Southern Ohio and Western West Virginia Amy M
    Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 1-1-2008 A Taxonomic Study of the Genus Acris and the Status of Acris Crepitans Blanchardi (Harper), Blanchard's Cricket Frog, in Southern Ohio and Western West Virginia Amy M. Hamilton Follow this and additional works at: http://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Animal Sciences Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, and the Plant Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Hamilton, Amy M., "A Taxonomic Study of the Genus Acris and the Status of Acris Crepitans Blanchardi (Harper), Blanchard's Cricket Frog, in Southern Ohio and Western West Virginia" (2008). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. Paper 619. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS ACRIS AND THE STATUS OF ACRIS CREPITANS BLANCHARDI (HARPER), BLANCHARD’S CRICKET FROG, IN SOUTHERN OHIO AND WESTERN WEST VIRGINIA Thesis submitted to The Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Master of Science Program Marshall University Department of Biological Sciences Amy M. Hamilton Thomas K. Pauley, Advisor Dan K. Evans F. Robin O’Keefe Huntington, West Virginia April 2008 Key words: Acris crepitans blanchardi, cricket frog, amphibian declines, taxonomy, morphology, natural history, dissolved oxygen, pH, plant surveys “A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS ACRIS AND THE STATUS OF ACRIS CREPITANS BLANCHARDI (HARPER), BLANCHARD’S CRICKET FROG, IN SOUTHERN OHIO AND WESTERN WEST VIRGINIA” Amy M.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource a Publication of the City of North Augusta Stormwater Management Department
    The Resource A Publication of the City of North Augusta Stormwater Management Department Consider Stormwater While Gardening this Summer The sun has North Augusta streams. As rain washes workshop trained attendees how to suc- warmed the across your yard, most of the chemicals cessfully control pests in the home land- soil and sum- that you have recently applied will flow scape. The purpose of the second mer vegetable down the storm drain into streams and workshop was to teach participants how and flower the river. Safely and efficiently using to create successful flower beds through gardens are chemicals in your landscape protects proper planning, preparation, and main- beginning to your yard and the streams, creeks, and tenance. Learning how to garden effec- appear through- downstream ponds where small frogs tively and to control pests efficiently can out the community. like the Southern Cricket Frog call home save time, money, and protects the envi- The new floral displays are revitalizing (see the Species Profile). ronment. Some of the lessons covered at the City from a long winter and the To help citizens learn about properly the workshop are presented below to vibrant activities of nature are all around using chemicals in the landscape, the provide information so that you can us. With this bustle of activity, we would Stormwater Management Department become part of the effort to protect like to remind residents that over appli- sponsored two workshops in March pre- North Augusta’s streams. cation of fertilizers, herbicides and pes- sented by Aiken Clemson Extension ticides are key sources of pollution in Agent, Ms.
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibian and Reptile Regulations Frequently Asked Questions
    Revised April 2007 Amphibian and Reptile Regulations Frequently Asked Questions Like all other wildlife species, Indiana’s amphibians and reptiles are regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. For all regulations relating to amphibians and reptiles visit www.IN.gov/legislative/iac/title312.html and look for Article 9, Rule 5. Rules change periodically, so be sure to check the website for current regulations. What can I collect from the wild? Indiana residents over the age of 17 must have a valid hunting or fishing license to collect amphibians and reptiles from the wild. Collection of endangered species and box turtles is prohibited. For all nongame species whose collection is allowed, there is a possession limit of four. The common snapping turtle, smooth softshell turtle, spiny softshell turtle, bullfrog and green frog are regulated as game animals with specified methods of take, bag limits and seasons. Game turtles may be taken at anytime. Game frogs may be taken anytime except between April 30 and June 15. The daily bag limit for game frogs or turtles is 25 and the possession limit is 50. What am I not allowed to do? Collect endangered species and box turtles Collect nongame reptiles and amphibians from any DNR property Release any amphibian or reptile kept in captivity and collected from Indiana unless it has been held for less than 30 days, has not been housed (caged) with other animals and is released at original site of capture Release any amphibian or reptile acquired outside of Indiana Sell native amphibians and reptiles (including eggs, larvae, meat, shells and other parts) o Bullfrog and green frog tadpoles may be sold by holders of a fish haulers and suppliers license or aquaculture permit if the tadpoles are a by-product of raising fish and if the tadpoles have a tail at least 1 inch long.
    [Show full text]
  • Cricket Frog
    Species Status Assessment Class: Amphibia Family: Hylidae Scientific Name: Acris crepitans Common Name: Eastern cricket frog Species synopsis: The eastern cricket frog (A. crepitans) occurs in most of the eastern half of the United States and may be declining in as many as 17 states. Three subspecies are recognized: Blanchard’s cricket frog (A. c. blanchardi) in the west and midwest (including extirpated populations in southern Ontario), eastern cricket frog (A. c. crepitans) in the east (including NY), and coastal cricket frog (A. c. paludicola) along the Gulf Coast. Cricket frogs are considered common where they occur, but severe declines have been noted in the northern fringes of the distribution, including New York. Despite numerous reports of declines, and ample scientific literature on the biology of eastern cricket frogs, there is no clear-cut indication of the cause(s) of the declining trend, although a number of anthropogenic factors and environmental conditions have been suggested. Populations in the central regions of the distribution are stable. Cricket frogs are found along the vegetated shorelines of lakes, bogs, ponds, vernal pools and extensive marshes. They use upland forests during the fall and for hibernation. Where it occurs in the lower Hudson Valley of New York, this tiny frog is at the northern extent of the range in the East; it has been extirpated from Long Island and Staten Island. Only seven sites within four metapopulations remain in the lower Hudson Valley, representing a decline of about 30% in the last twenty years. Severe declines have been documented in Pennsylvania during this period as well; both states list cricket frog as endangered.
    [Show full text]
  • Blanchard's Cricket Frog Acris Blanchardi Overwintering Ecology
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 11(1):101–111. Submitted: 12May 2014; Accepted: 17 March 2016; Published: 30 April 2016. BLANCHARD’S CRICKET FROG ACRIS BLANCHARDI OVERWINTERING ECOLOGY IN SOUTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ANDREW F. BADJE1,4, TYLER J. BRANDT1, TARA L. BERGESON1, RORI A. PALOSKI1, JOSHUA M. KAPFER2, AND GREGOR W. SCHUURMAN1,3 ¹Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation, 101 S. Webster Street, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, Wisconsin 53707, USA ²Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Upham Hall, Rm. 352, Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190, USA ³National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525, USA 4Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs (Acris blanchardi) were once considered among the most abundant frog species in southern Wisconsin, USA. Although historically documented in 31 counties, it is currently found in only a handful of these due to substantial population declines in the late 20th Century. Explanations for this dramatic reduction in numbers include environmental pollutants, climate change, and habitat loss. Unfortunately, a poor understanding of the basic ecology and natural history of this species hinders effective conservation. To achieve a more thorough understanding of overwintering ecology at the northern edge of their range, we surveyed 10 sites in southwestern Wisconsin in an effort to describe the hibernacula and pre-hibernation behavior of Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs. We conducted transect and haphazard surveys to determine when most cricket frogs entered hibernacula and the type of hibernacula available (e.g., crayfish burrow, crack in stream banks).
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Cricket Frog Acris Crepitans Photo-Rick Kaval ENDANGERED
    Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans photo-Rick Kaval ENDANGERED General characteristics shallow, sun-drenched ponds punctuated with a substantial You may have to look twice to see the Northern Cricket growth of vegetation in and along the water. It also can Frog. Its coloration and small size allows this tiny amphibian be found near slow-moving streams, o en squatting on to conceal itself easily, so it is o en di cult to nd even if sandbars or banks of gravel where it warms itself in the glow nearby. As an adult, it averages only 5/8 to 1 3/8 inches long. of midday. It seeks shelter from extreme cold under stones It is diurnal and when not basking in the sun, spends the and piles of fallen leaves. rest of its day foraging for food. Although a member of the When frightened, the Northern Cricket Frog quickly treefrog family, the Northern Cricket Frog is destined to dives beneath the surface of the water where it promptly spend most of its time on the ground, because this species buries itself in the bottom mud. has lost the large, adhesive toe pads typical of the treefrogs. Reproduction Identi cation Although mating may occur anytime between April and e skin of the Northern Cricket Frog is rough and warty. August, the Northern Cricket Frog is generally considered e base color is usually gray accented with darker stripes to be a late breeder. Mating is accomplished when the male that run down each side of the back. e dark triangular clasps the female just behind the forelegs as they oat in patch located between the eyes is a major identifying mark.
    [Show full text]
  • Acris Crepitans Blanchardi (Harper) Blanchard’S Cricket Frog
    Acris crepitans blanchardi (Harper) Blanchard’s cricket frog State Distribution Photo by Thomas R. Johnson Best Survey Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Status: State threatened Michigan. Since 1985, cricket frog populations have been reported from less than 10 sites in four counties in Global and state rank: G5T5/S2S3 southeast Michigan (Lenawee, Washtenaw, Oakland and Lapeer) and about 40 sites in seven counties in southwest Family: Hylidae (treefrog family) Michigan (Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent and Van Buren). Range: The Blanchard’s cricket frog is found from southern Michigan and western Ohio west to southeastern Recognition: The Blanchard’s cricket frog is a tiny, non- South Dakota and eastern Nebraska, and south to northern climbing member of the treefrog family. Adults range in Tennessee in the east and northern Mexico in the west length from 0.6 to 1.5 inches (Harding 1997). Cricket (Conant and Collins 1998). An isolated colony has been frogs have moist, warty skin and an acutely rounded documented in northeastern Colorado. Several populations snout. They are usually tan, brown, gray, or olive green also have been reported from Point Pelee and Pelee Island in color, sometimes with bright green, tan, black or reddish in Ontario, Canada, although these are believed to be blotches or stripe down the back. Most individuals have a extirpated. Blanchard’s cricket frogs also are believed to dark, triangular mark on the back of the head between be extiripated from Minnesota. The northern cricket frog the eyes, a light line from each eye to the shoulder, and (Acris crepitans crepitans) occurs to the east and south of numerous vertical light bars on the snout.
    [Show full text]