Stressors

Declines in amphibian populations have occurred not only on areas clearly impacted by human activities such as urbanization, but also on protected lands intended to buffer amphibians and other wildlife from anthropogenic disturbances. Some stressors are not stopped by preserve boundaries and can affect wildlife populations 10's or 100's of kilometers from their source or point of use. For example, pesticides, fertilizers, or supplements given to livestock can be transported from the terrestrial setting where they are applied, to aquatic environments via precipitation, run-off, erosion, wind, and misuse. Conversely, some contaminants such as mercury or selenium occur naturally, but can be concentrated, or disturbed and released into the environment by human activities. Amphibian populations can be exposed to multiple stressors simultaneously, producing novel conditions with unknown outcomes.

ARMI scientists conduct research to identify stressors and evaluate their impacts on amphibian individuals and populations.

Trend Data Big Thicket National Preserve Occupancy Monitoring VES/VOC: Acris blanchardi, Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides, Gastrophryne carolinensis, Hyla chrysoscelis, Hyla cinerea, Incilius nebulifer, Lithobates catesbeianus, Lithobates clamitans, Lithobates grylio, Lithobates sphenocephalus, Pseudacris crucifer, Pseudacris fouquettei ( American Bullfrog, Blanchard's Cricket Frog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad, Green Frog, Green Tree Frog, Pig Frog, Rio Grande Chirping Frog, Southern Leopard Frog, Spring Peeper)

Trend Data Non-federal lands in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota: Acris blanchardi ( Blanchard's Cricket Frog)

Trend Data Big Thicket National Preserve Occupancy Monitoring VES/VOC: Acris blanchardi, Eleutherodactylus cystignathoides, Gastrophryne carolinensis, Hyla chrysoscelis, Hyla cinerea, Incilius nebulifer, Lithobates catesbeianus, Lithobates clamitans, Lithobates grylio, Lithobates sphenocephalus, Pseudacris crucifer, Pseudacris fouquettei ( American Bullfrog, Blanchard's Cricket Frog, Cope's Gray Treefrog, Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad, Green Frog, Green Tree Frog, Pig Frog, Rio Grande Chirping Frog, Southern Leopard Frog, Spring Peeper)