26th Annual Student Research Conference
Shrub Steppe Amphibians in Overgrazed Riparian Areas in Northwest Nevada
Basia M. Dann
Dr. Stephanie Fore, Faculty Mentor
The shrub steppe community of the Western United States is an ecosystem that has experienced much decline due to the overgrazing by cattle. This study surveyed frog and toad populations in two grazed riparian areas in northwestern Nevada in May 2012. Two springs were evaluated, one with a developed pond and the other with a cattle watering tank. Call-surveys and observational methods were used to establish species diversity and abundance. One species, Hyla regilla, was observed at the pond site and two other species Rana pipiens, and Spea intermontana were found on nearby plots. Call-surveys established the presence of less than ten amphibians at this site. No amphibians were observed at the cattle tank site likely due to below freezing temperatures. Differing compositions of amphibians on each site may have been influenced by harsh weather conditions, though the condition of the grazed riparian areas was also a likely influence.
Keywords: Amphibians, Riparian , Overgrazing, Shrub Steppe
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-9
Location: GEO
Time: 3:30