The effects of water fluctuation and temperature change on amphibian larvae

Background/Question/Methods

The recent rapid changes in climate have the potential to negatively affect many species, including amphibians. Projected changes in climate include regional changes in temperature and precipitation. We studied the effects of fluctuating temperatures and hydroperiods on survival, growth rates, and development in Rana pipiens and Rana catesbeiana larvae. Using two concurrent experiments, we subjected larvae to either fluctuating hydroperiods or fluctuating temperatures. The larvae in the fluctuating hydroperiods were subjected to one of three treatments: continuous high water level (control); weekly reduction in water level (reduction); or a fluctuating treatment where water was reduced one week and added the next (fluctuating). The larvae in the fluctuating temperatures were subjected to one of two treatments: consistent temperature at 18 degrees C (control) or an elevated temperature of 25 degrees C.

Results/Conclusions

We found that larvae in experimental treatments had lower survival, slower growth, but no difference in development compared to controls.  These experiments can help illuminate the potential effects of climate change on amphibian larvae.