1. The Distribution of Amphibians and Reptiles in Grand Teton National Park. (continuation) 2. Monitoring Amphibian Populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. (continuation) 3. Adaptive Management Component of Amphibian and Reptile Surveys, Mon

Authors(s): C. Peterson, D. Patla and J. Hawk

Publication:

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: progress report

Location:

Abstract: Objectives 1. Determine the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Grand Teton National Park. 2. Monitor amphibian populations to determine status and trends. 3. Contribute to adaptive management through conducting surveys, compiling information, and formulating recommendations for the conservation of amphibian and reptile populations in areas that may be affected by development projects or other human activities. 4. Test hypotheses concerning the causes of changes in amphibian and reptile populations. Current project investigates relationships among water chemistry, toad breeding, and densities of the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila, the causative agent of redleg disease. Findings and Status 1. Distribution. We have continued to increase the amount of distribution information for amphibians and reptiles in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Employing experienced volunteers, we conducted surveys in backcountry areas: Berry, Owl, and Moose Creeks, west of Jackson Lake. This was a pilot effort for mapping distribution in remote areas. We are compiling survey results into our database and GIS. We are planning to continue this type of survey in 1998. We also conducted an amphibian training session for interested Park naturalists/volunteers. Their observations from this summer will be included in the amphibian/reptile database. 2. Monitoring. We continued monitoring at two amphibian breeding sites in GTNP, with field assistance from Resources Management. Results of our six years of monitoring at these sites are being compiled for a report and publication. We are expanding our monitoring program to include a network of sites across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In 1997, we designed and tested a system for randomly selecting potential monitoring areas. Five of the selected test areas are in GTNP. In the future, we plan to apply this system for increasing the number of monitoring sites and the effectiveness of monitoring in GTNP. The expanded monitoring program will enable us to detect declines in amphibian populations across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 3. Adaptive management. As requested by Resources Management, we surveyed wetlands at the Snake River gravel quarry area, which is targeted for restoration. We found Boreal Toads and Boreal Chorus Frogs breeding in the area. Because Boreal Toads are a species of special concern due to suspected population declines, we continued monitoring at this site throughout the summer. We submitted a report describing amphibian use of the quarry area to GTNP, with recommendations for protecting toads and enhancing habitat. Responding to an observation from a Resources Management employee, we surveyed for Bullfrog tadpoles in a warm-water ditch that flows from Kelly Warm Springs and eventually reaches Ditch Creek. Bullfrog tadpoles in late stages of development were observed at several sites along the ditch near Blacktail Butte. The Bullfrog is an introduced species which has had adverse effects on native amphibians elsewhere in the western U.S. We plan to continue surveys in the Kelly Warm Springs area to determine if Bullfrogs are successfully colonizing new areas through ditches and natural drainages. 4. Research. Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas boreas) populations have declined and disappeared throughout much of the Grand Teton/Yellowstone area over the past 40 years, but populations have persisted in many geothermally influenced wetlands. At many sites where toads continue to breed, there is unusual water chemistry, including high conductivity and high acid neutralizing capacity. We hypothesized that toads may be protected from a common bacterial disease, known as redleg, by the unusual water chemistry found at these sites. In 1997, we sampled 28 sites. Contrary to expectations, we found that bacterial densities increased with conductivity, and that the occurrence of toad breeding was positively related to bacterial densities. We are preparing a report of this study for the University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center. In 1998, we will continue the laboratory portion of this study, testing for relationships among water chemistry, water temperature, bacterial densities, and Boreal Toad tadpole resistance to redleg disease.

Keywords: Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Lake, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, breeding, animal, amphibian, reptile, herpetology, population, management, mortality, toad, boreal toad, boreal chorus frog, frog, disease, Anura, Reptilia, Bufo boreas, Pseudacris triseriata, Hylidae, Rana catesbeiana , Bufonidae, Ranidae, toad, disease, Snake River, Kelly Warm Spring, bullfrog, tadpole, Blacktail Butte, Ditch Creek