SREL Reprint #0362
Determination
of Anuran Terrestrial Activity Pattern by a Drift Fence Method
J.
Whitfield Gibbons and David H. Bennett
Abstract
Terrestrial activity of 16 species of frogs in South
Carolina was correlated with season, environmental temperatures and the
incidence and amount of precipitation. Terrestrial
drift fences and pitfall traps encircling two aquatic habitats were used to
monitor movements to and from local habitats.
Ranidae (primarily Rana pipiens) were most abundant
at a permanently aquatic habitat whereas Bufonidae and Pelobatidae
(mainly Bufo terrestris and Scaphiopus holbrooks)
were captured more frequently at a temporary pond. Numbers of individuals captured during each month showed
fairly consistent progressions from highs in spring to lows in autumn.
Activity was positively correlated with the incidence of precipitation,
and the number of captures increased with the amount of rainfall.
Anuran activity decreased noticeably during periods of low temperature.
The use of a complete enclosure system in conjunction with pitfall traps
is discussed and considered to be a valuable method for studying population
dynamics of species which migrate to localized habitats.
SREL Reprint #0362
Gibbons, J.W. and D.H. Bennett. 1974. Determination of
anuran terrestrial activity patterns by a drift fence method.
Copeia 1974:236-243.
