Print PagePotential terrestrial environments surrounding temporary wetlands exhibit significant relationships with amphibian larvae and metamorph abundance and size morphometrics. Furthermore, wetland canopy cover can influence terrestrial conditions, whereas certain environmental variables are significantly different between open and closed canopy types. In order to test these claims, I assessed various environmental factors within a 25 meter buffer zone surrounding temporary vernal pools. In order to evaluate potential interactions between inhabiting species of amphibians and their immediate environments, I sampled amphibian larvae and metamorphs in the aquatic and terrestrial environments of 15 wetlands. I included four amphibian species noted for their specific tolerance of high temperatures and dry conditions, and compared various obtained measurements to collected environmental data and observations.
Results/Conclusions
My findings showed that DBH, CWD, and Soil Moisture were significantly related to amphibian abundance or morphometrics in over half of the sampled species, such as Pseudacris crucifer, Hyle chrysoscelis, and Ambystoma maculatum. Open and closed wetland features differed significantly in relation to ground cover (leaf litter), canopy cover (herbaceous growth), and soil temperature. Although possessing specific tolerances, included amphibian species did not show significant relationships to habitat canopy type.
