Amphibian use of man-made pools on clear-cuts in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, USA

摘要: Timber harvesting can alter habitats of forest-dwelling species and these alterations be highly detrimental to such as amphibians that are intimately associated with habitat temperature moisture regimes. Consequently, information on conservation practices reduce impacts useful prevent local extinctions. Twenty-two 40 pools constructed by the Fernow Experimental Station, USDA Northern Research Parsons, West Virginia in 1993 primitive haul roads two clearcut areas McGowan Mountain, Tucker County, WV were monitored for 3 years determine their potential use anurans. Monthly samples (April through September) water chemistry amphibian captures taken evaluate pools. Anurans used breed Bufo americanus americanus, Rana sylvatica, Psuedacris brachyphona, Hyla chrysoscelis. Desmognathus ochrophaeus Gyrinophilus porphyriticus also found ponds but no evidence breeding was discovered. By 1994, 14 22 held anurans reproduction. Species richness bred primarily dependent pond depth. Man-made small deep placed carefully hydroperiods long enough larvae complete development (i.e., near seepages) provides some frogs species, well refugia non-breeding salamanders clear-cut areas. Pools at strategic locations have adverse timber populations.