Amphibians

Even though amphibians are significant to the wetlands and forest ecosystem they are of conservation concern in British Columbia, due to a lack of vital information such as distribution patterns.

The Columbia Spotted Frog, Western Toad, Pacific Treefrog, Long-toed Salamander and Great Basin Spadefoot served as the five species studied during a long-term monitoring project aiming to identify breeding sites, distribution patterns and threats. It was a community-based project involving volunteers and educating the public.

The study area encompassed 7,200km2 within south-central British Columbia. This area was divided into 10x10km grids especially used for collecting the data on distribution patterns. During the identification of breeding sites, new sites were found for all five species which were continued to be monitored. The study also included night surveys, mainly consisting of frog call surveys and night walks; identification of potential threats and mitigation of problem areas by building drift fences and underpasses; and the inclusion of volunteers which also served to educate the community.

In general, all the species were widespread except for the Great Basin Spadefoot which was only found the in the Upper Nicola area. Breeding was documented at several sites for both the Western Toad and the Columbia Spotted Frog. However, there were no clear trends detected during the frog call surveys.

In total, 28 volunteers helped with the project and 16 filled out the questionnaire distributed at the end. To further educate the public it is important to continue with such biologist led field trips, involve schools and encourage forestry workers to contribute by reporting sightings.

The project was continued throughout 2015 and 2016 to ensure proper monitoring of the breeding sites, fill knowledge gaps regarding distribution and to continue working with volunteers in order to educate the public. To mitigate threats, dangerous road areas have to be monitored and the construction of underpasses is suggested. Water level and wetland habitats should be monitored continuously as well as the breeding sites and activities.

In conclusion, amphibians are important to the ecosystems and therefore should be understood fully. The project aimed to close information gaps by collecting distribution data, identify breeding sites, threats and problem areas and educate and work with the community. It has been running from 2011 to 2014 when the research report was published but it was suggested to continue for at least two more years ensuring proper monitoring of amphibian habitats.

Source: Community-based Amphibian Monitoring Program in Multi-use Landscapes in South-Central BC

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