PS 31-88 - Effects of burning on relative abundances and morphological characteristics of green tree frog in Texas

Thursday, August 11, 2016
ESA Exhibit Hall, Ft Lauderdale Convention Center
Thanchira Suriyamongkol1, Kaitlyn Forks1, Andrea Villamizar-Gomez2, Ivana Mali3, Hsiao-Hsuan Wang1, William E. Grant1 and Michael R.J. Forstner2, (1)Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, (2)Department of Biology, Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos, TX, (3)Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM
Background/Question/Methods

Wildfires are natural phenomena that can impact native fauna by altering their habitats. In 2011, a large wildfire occurred in 2011 near Bastrop, Texas. Unfortunately, much of its Lost Pines habitats was destroyed, as a result of wildfire, and will take years to recover. The objective of this study is to compare the relative abundances and morphological characteristics of green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) in burned areas with those in unburned areas near Bastrop to assess the effect of these fires on green tree frog populations in the area. Method: We analyzed weekly data on tree frogs distribution in GLR collected by Texas State University over the five-month period from June to October using PVC pipes placed around each of four ponds. Species trapped were predominantly Hyla cinerea.

Results/Conclusions

Frogs were more abundant in unburned areas. However, statistically, the difference between the number of green tree frogs found in burned area and unburned area was not significant (P=0.0744).