Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog
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Ascaphus Truei) Across
LIFE HISTORY OF THE COASTAL TAILED FROG (ASCAPHUS TRUEI) ACROSS AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA By Adrian Daniel Macedo A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of Humboldt State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Biology Committee Membership Dr. John O. Reiss, Committee Chair Dr. Daniel C. Barton, Committee Member Dr. Karen L. Pope, Committee Member Dr. Sharyn B. Marks, Committee Member Dr. Erik Jules, Program Graduate Coordinator December 2019 ABSTRACT LIFE HISTORY OF THE COASTAL TAILED FROG (ASCAPHUS TRUEI) ACROSS AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Adrian D. Macedo The life history of a species is described in terms of its growth, longevity, and reproduction. Unsurprisingly, life history traits are known to vary in many taxa across environmental gradients. In the case of amphibians, species at high elevations and latitudes tend to have shorter breeding seasons, shorter activity periods, longer larval periods, reach sexual maturity at older ages, and produce fewer and larger clutches per year. The Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) is an ideal species for the study of geographic variation in life history because it ranges across most of the Pacific Northwest from northern California into British Columbia, and along its range it varies geographically in larval period and morphology. During a California Department of Fish and Wildlife restoration project in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, I had incidental captures of Coastal Tailed Frog larvae and adults. To date, no population across the species’ range has been described above 2000m. These populations in the Trinity Alps range from 150m to over 2100m in elevation, and those that are in the higher part of the range are likely living at the species’ maximum elevational limit. -
Wood Frog (Rana Sylvatica): a Technical Conservation Assessment
Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project March 24, 2005 Erin Muths1, Suzanne Rittmann1, Jason Irwin2, Doug Keinath3, Rick Scherer4 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526 2 Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837 3 Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3381, Laramie, WY 82072 4 Colorado State University, GDPE, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Peer Review Administered by Society for Conservation Biology Muths, E., S. Rittman, J. Irwin, D. Keinath, and R. Scherer. (2005, March 24). Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica): a technical conservation assessment. [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/projects/scp/assessments/woodfrog.pdf [date of access]. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors would like to acknowledge the help of the many people who contributed time and answered questions during our review of the literature. AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHIES Dr. Erin Muths is a Zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey – Fort Collins Science Center. She has been studying amphibians in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region for the last 10 years. Her research focuses on demographics of boreal toads, wood frogs and chorus frogs and methods research. She is a principle investigator for the USDOI Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative and is an Associate Editor for the Northwestern Naturalist. Dr. Muths earned a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (1986); a M.S. in Biology (Systematics and Ecology) from Kansas State University (1990) and a Ph.D. -
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TAILED FROG Ascaphus Montanus
ROCKY MOUNTAIN T AILED FROG Ascaphus montanus Original prepared by Linda A. Dupuis Species Information copper bar or triangle between the eyes and snout, with green undertones (Metter 1964a). Taxonomy Tadpoles are roughly 11 mm in length upon hatching, and can reach up to 65 mm long prior to Phylogenetic studies have determined that tailed metamorphosis (Brown 1990). They possess a wide frogs belong in their own monotypic family, flattened oral disc modified into a suction mouth for Ascaphidae (Green et al. 1989; Jamieson et al. 1993). clinging to rocks in swift currents and grazing Recent phylogeographic analysis has determined that periphyton (Metter 1964a, 1967; Nussbaum et al. coastal and inland assemblages of the tailed frog are 1983), a ventrally flattened body, and a laterally sufficiently divergent to warrant designation as two compressed tail bordered by a low dorsal fin. They distinct species: Ascaphus truei and Ascaphus are black or light brownish-grey, often with fine montanus (Nielson et al. 2001). The divergence of black speckling; lighter flecks may or may not be coastal and inland populations is likely attributable present (Dupuis, pers. obs.). The tadpoles usually to isolation in refugia in response to the rise of the possess a white dot (ocellus) on the tip of the tail Cascade Mountains during the late Miocene to early and often have a distinct copper-coloured bar or Pliocene (Nielson et al. 2001). triangle between the eyes and snout. Hatchlings lack The Coastal Tailed Frog and Rocky Mountain Tailed pigmentation, and are most easily characterized by Frog are the only members of the family Ascaphidae the large, conspicuous yolk sac in the abdomen. -
Riparian Management and the Tailed Frog in Northern Coastal Forests
Forest Ecology and Management 124 (1999) 35±43 Riparian management and the tailed frog in northern coastal forests Linda Dupuis*,1, Doug Steventon Centre for Applied Conservation Biology, Department of Forest Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4 Ministry of Forests, Prince Rupert Region, Bag 5000, Smithers, BC, Canada V0J 2N0 Received 28 July 1998; accepted 19 January 1999 Abstract Although the importance of aquatic environments and adjacent riparian habitats for ®sh have been recognized by forest managers, headwater creeks have received little attention. The tailed frog, Ascaphus truei, inhabits permanent headwaters, and several US studies suggest that its populations decline following clear-cut logging practices. In British Columbia, this species is considered to be at risk because little is known of its abundance, distribution patterns in the landscape, and habitat needs. We characterized nine logged, buffered and old-growth creeks in each of six watersheds (n 54). Tadpole densities were obtained by area-constrained searches. Despite large natural variation in population size, densities decreased with increasing levels of ®ne sediment (<64 mm diameter), rubble, detritus and wood, and increased with bank width. The parameters that were correlated with lower tadpole densities were found at higher levels in clear-cut creeks than in creeks of other stand types. Tadpole densities were signi®cantly lower in logged streams than in buffered and old-growth creeks; thus, forested buffers along streams appear to maintain natural channel conditions. To prevent direct physical damage and sedimentation of channel beds, we suggest that buffers be retained along permanent headwater creeks. Creeks that display characteristics favoring higher tadpole densities, such as those that have coarse, stable substrates, should have management priority over less favorable creeks. -
AMPHIBIANS of OHIO F I E L D G U I D E DIVISION of WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION
AMPHIBIANS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e DIVISION OF WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION Amphibians are typically shy, secre- Unlike reptiles, their skin is not scaly. Amphibian eggs must remain moist if tive animals. While a few amphibians Nor do they have claws on their toes. they are to hatch. The eggs do not have are relatively large, most are small, deli- Most amphibians prefer to come out at shells but rather are covered with a jelly- cately attractive, and brightly colored. night. like substance. Amphibians lay eggs sin- That some of these more vulnerable spe- gly, in masses, or in strings in the water The young undergo what is known cies survive at all is cause for wonder. or in some other moist place. as metamorphosis. They pass through Nearly 200 million years ago, amphib- a larval, usually aquatic, stage before As with all Ohio wildlife, the only ians were the first creatures to emerge drastically changing form and becoming real threat to their continued existence from the seas to begin life on land. The adults. is habitat degradation and destruction. term amphibian comes from the Greek Only by conserving suitable habitat to- Ohio is fortunate in having many spe- amphi, which means dual, and bios, day will we enable future generations to cies of amphibians. Although generally meaning life. While it is true that many study and enjoy Ohio’s amphibians. inconspicuous most of the year, during amphibians live a double life — spend- the breeding season, especially follow- ing part of their lives in water and the ing a warm, early spring rain, amphib- rest on land — some never go into the ians appear in great numbers seemingly water and others never leave it. -
I Found a Frog…
I Found a Frog…What Do I Do With It? Finding a frog or toad in your backyard is a great discovery, especially if you live in an urban setting where these creatures are rarely found. Unless you have a large pond, most frogs and toads we find are transients taking up temporary residence where food and habitat seem good. But when autumn rolls around, starts to cool off, and the frog has not left, what do you do with your little friend? Here is some advice: Does this mean I have a new pet frog or toad? No! Please do not take in the animal. Not only is this illegal, but this is a wild animal that will not do well in a captive environment. Also, the proper artificial habitat is expensive, combined with the cost of food for the winter. And if you get attached to the animal (which is difficult not to do), it will be more difficult to release it in the spring. Many of the animal’s special survival skills will be lost in captivity over the winter. Frogs and toads hibernate in the winter, and rest their bodies for the following summer season. Frogs will want to slow down as daytime temperatures and lengths decrease, but it is not cool enough in our homes to lower metabolic rates. As a result, the frog remains active, will not eat, and will slowly starve. Some frogs with specialized care and live food will change their natural cycles and begin to feed, but if yours does not, it will die unnecessarily. -
Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles)
6-3.1 Compare the characteristic structures of invertebrate animals... and vertebrate animals (fish, amphibians, and reptiles). Also covers: 6-1.1, 6-1.2, 6-1.5, 6-3.2, 6-3.3 Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles sections Can I find one? If you want to find a frog or salamander— 1 Chordates and Vertebrates two types of amphibians—visit a nearby Lab Endotherms and Exotherms pond or stream. By studying fish, amphib- 2 Fish ians, and reptiles, scientists can learn about a 3 Amphibians variety of vertebrate characteristics, includ- 4 Reptiles ing how these animals reproduce, develop, Lab Water Temperature and the and are classified. Respiration Rate of Fish Science Journal List two unique characteristics for Virtual Lab How are fish adapted each animal group you will be studying. to their environment? 220 Robert Lubeck/Animals Animals Start-Up Activities Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles Make the following Foldable to help you organize Snake Hearing information about the animals you will be studying. How much do you know about reptiles? For example, do snakes have eyelids? Why do STEP 1 Fold one piece of paper lengthwise snakes flick their tongues in and out? How into thirds. can some snakes swallow animals that are larger than their own heads? Snakes don’t have ears, so how do they hear? In this lab, you will discover the answer to one of these questions. STEP 2 Fold the paper widthwise into fourths. 1. Hold a tuning fork by the stem and tap it on a hard piece of rubber, such as the sole of a shoe. -
Amphibian Protocol the Survey Protocols Below Are from BC Frog Watch
Amphibian Protocol The survey protocols below are from BC Frog Watch: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frogwatch/frogwatching/how.htm Because populations fluctuate each year in relation to climatic conditions, such as snowpack or spring rains, long-term data are required to accurately assess the status of a species or the productivity of a wetland. There are a number of techniques that can be used to monitor amphibians. The two described below can be used alone or in combination. Please note: Any protocol that involves wading in a wetland must consider the possibility of the transmission of infection from one area to another. Consult the BC Disinfection Protocol. Call Surveys This technique is used to survey frogs and toads, species which vocalize during the breeding season. Surveyors visit the monitoring site(s) in spring and listen for calling males , (this is a link to a recording of each species’ breeding call) recording the species and approximate number of each. Repeat surveys increase the probability that species will be detected. Define a survey transect along or through your wetland. Describe in enough detail that someone else can follow the same route. It can be along the edge of open water or any other route that makes sense. Use GPS locations to confirm the route if possible. Follow the same transect on each survey. This technique is relatively easy, inexpensive, and takes little training, but only one life stage can be surveyed and the technique is only effective for some species and geographic locations (see Table 1 below). Questions you can answer with this technique: • What species of frog and toad call at this site in any given year? • Do the same species breed at the site each year? • Approximately how many males are in the breeding population at this site in any given year? • When does breeding take place at this site each year and how long does it last? Visual Surveys All life stages can be surveyed visually at breeding sites or along roads and much information is gleaned from this survey technique. -
Frogs and Toads Defined
by Christopher A. Urban Chief, Natural Diversity Section Frogs and toads defined Frogs and toads are in the class Two of Pennsylvania’s most common toad and “Amphibia.” Amphibians have frog species are the eastern American toad backbones like mammals, but unlike mammals they cannot internally (Bufo americanus americanus) and the pickerel regulate their body temperature and frog (Rana palustris). These two species exemplify are therefore called “cold-blooded” (ectothermic) animals. This means the physical, behavioral, that the animal has to move ecological and habitat to warm or cool places to change its body tempera- similarities and ture to the appropriate differences in the comfort level. Another major difference frogs and toads of between amphibians and Pennsylvania. other animals is that amphibians can breathe through the skin on photo-Andrew L. Shiels L. photo-Andrew www.fish.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March-April 2005 15 land and absorb oxygen through the weeks in some species to 60 days in (plant-eating) beginning, they have skin while underwater. Unlike reptiles, others. Frogs can become fully now developed into insectivores amphibians lack claws and nails on their developed in 60 days, but many (insect-eaters). Then they leave the toes and fingers, and they have moist, species like the green frog and bullfrog water in search of food such as small permeable and glandular skin. Their can “overwinter” as tadpoles in the insects, spiders and other inverte- skin lacks scales or feathers. bottom of ponds and take up to two brates. Frogs and toads belong to the years to transform fully into adult Where they go in search of this amphibian order Anura. -
Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus Montanus) in Canada
Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series Adopted under Section 44 of SARA Recovery Strategy for the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus montanus) in Canada Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog 2015 Recommended citation: Environment Canada. 2015. Recovery Strategy for the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus montanus) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. 20 pp. + Annex. For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry1. Cover illustration: Purnima Govindarajulu Également disponible en français sous le titre « Programme de rétablissement de la grenouille-à-queue des Rocheuses (Ascaphus montanus) au Canada » © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment, 2015. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-0-660-03404-1 Catalogue no. En3-4/210-2015E-PDF Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source. 1 http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca RECOVERY STRATEGY FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN TAILED FROG (Ascaphus montanus) IN CANADA 2015 Under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996), the federal, provincial, and territorial governments agreed to work together on legislation, programs, and policies to protect wildlife species at risk throughout Canada. In the spirit of cooperation of the Accord, the Government of British Columbia has given permission to the Government of Canada to adopt the Recovery Plan for the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog (Ascaphus montanus) in British Columbia (Part 2) under Section 44 of the Species at Risk Act. -
Amphibian Background
The Toledo Zoo/ThinkingWorks Teacher Overview for the Amphibian Lessons Ó2003 Teacher Overview: Amphibians Amphibians have many traits that are unique to this particular class of animals. Below is a list of general amphibian traits to help you and your students complete the ThinkingWorks lesson. The class Amphibia is divided into three groups or orders, each with their own set of features. The orders are frogs and toads, salamanders and caecilians. We have included a list of the different amphibians found at The Toledo Zoo by order and where you can find them on exhibit. Note that animals move constantly in and out of the Zoo. Please call the Zoo for a current list of amphibians that are on exhibit and their locations. Wild toad tadpoles and adults can also be observed on Zoo grounds in the formal garden area near the Conservatory. Look near the pool in the butterfly garden. General Amphibian Traits q The life cycle of an amphibian (the name means “two-lived”) begins as an egg. Tadpoles or larvae (singular is larva) hatch from the egg. Tadpoles are an immature stage. The tadpoles then mature into adults. This process is called metamorphosis. q Females deposit eggs in water where they are fertilized externally by males (see diagram). q Eggs hatch into tadpoles that are aquatic (live in water), breathe through gills instead of lungs, have a tail, no eyelids, ears and, initially, no legs. Adult Male Tadpole (Larva) Adult Female Eggs q Adults of most amphibians have four legs, lungs, eyelids, tear glands and ears. q Besides lungs, most adult amphibians can exchange gases through the skin and the membranes lining the mouth. -
AMPHIBIANS Please Remember That All Plants and Animals Nature Lover’S Paradise
Please help us protect our Hampton, VA Natural Resources Welcome to Hampton’s City Parks. The City of Hampton is located in what is Hampton City Park’s called the Peninsula area of the Coastal Plain region of the State of Virginia. The forests, fields, rivers, marshes, and grasslands are a AMPHIBIANS Please remember that all plants and animals nature lover’s paradise. found in Hampton’s City Parks are protect- During your visit to any of Hampton’s out- ed by law. It is illegal to molest, injure, or standing city parks, we hope you have the opportunity to observe our many and diverse remove any wildlife including their nests, species of fauna and flora. eggs, or young. It is also illegal to remove, cut, damage, or destroy any plants (including plant parts) found in the park. Help us conserve YOUR natural resources. Green Frog "Enjoy Hampton's Natural Areas" Chorus Frog Tadpole For more information… If you have any questions regarding this brochure, or if you would like more information about Hamp- ton City Parks and Recreation parks please contact us at: Hampton Parks , Recreation & Leisure Services 22 Lincoln Street Hampton, VA 23669 Tel: 757-727-6348 www.hampton.gov/parks American Bullfrog Frogs and Toads Salamanders What is an Amphibian? The typical frog (genus Rana) has a relatively While salamanders look similar to lizards, they are smooth skin and long legs for leaping. While very different. The typical salamander (many gene- Amphibians belong to the Class Amphibia. The the typical toad (genus Bufo) has a warty skin ra) has smooth or warty moist skin (not scaly) and is word “amphibious” is based on Greek words and and short legs for jumping.