We examined pond-breeding amphibian community composition at 210 ponds in Missouri between 2002 and 2012 using drift fence, dipnet, and funnel trap data. We encountered a total of 20 pond-breeding amphibian species in the combined surveys. We also examined whether the presence of American Bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, and fish influenced these patterns of diversity. Our results indicate the presence of American Bullfrogs, fish, and their interaction influenced the community composition of amphibians at these sites but in opposite patterns. American Bullfrogs often had a positive relationship with the total number of species, total caudate species, and total anuran species, whereas fish presence was negatively associated overall with species diversity, and the presence of both American Bullfrogs and fish was negatively associated with anuran species diversity. It is important to have baseline community species composition data from wide geographical ranges so spatiotemporal changes in community structure can be noted and assessed.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 July 2015
Pond-Breeding Amphibian Community Composition in Missouri
Dana L. Drake,
Brittany H. Ousterhout,
Jarrett R. Johnson,
Thomas L. Anderson,
William E. Peterman,
Christopher D. Shulse,
Daniel J. Hocking,
Kenton L. Lohraff,
Elizabeth B. Harper,
Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse,
Betsie B. Rothermel,
Lori S. Eggert,
Raymond D. Semlitsch
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 174 • No. 1
July 2015
Vol. 174 • No. 1
July 2015