25th Annual Student Research Conference
Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of the Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
Donald G. Schneider* and Jacob J. Grace
Dr. Chad E. Montgomery and Dr. Michael I. Kelrick, Faculty Mentors
Populations of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) in Wyoming are genetically distinct and isolated from other populations in the Rocky Mountain Region. L. sylvaticus exists as isolated, relict populations at high elevations in the Bighorn National Forest. Despite existence as isolated relictual populations, there is a paucity of information on the number of populations or status of individual populations across the Bighorn National Forest. The purpose of our study was to determine the distribution of L. sylvaticus in the northern portion of the Cloud Peak Wilderness within the Bighorn National Forest, Johnson County, Wyoming. We surveyed 38 potential L. sylvaticus sites and recorded biotic and abiotic characteristics based on those used for amphibian surveys in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. We captured L. sylvaticus individuals by hand or dip-net and any uncaptured frogs were listed as observed. Wood frogs were present at 11 sites and 6 of these were breeding sites.
Keywords: Wyoming, Wood frog, Cloud Peak, Big Horn Mountains, Lithobates sylvaticus, Relic population
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 200-8
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30