A continued study of the use of created ponds for amphibian breeding in fragmented forested areas

Amphibian populations are declining worldwide due to factors such as habitat degradation, fragmentation and destruction. I conducted a study to explore the use of created ponds in a forested habitat by breeding amphibians, specifically Rana sylvatica and Ambystoma maculatum. The objectives were to examine the movement of these animals after leaving the ponds, the survival and movement of juveniles, how both respond to fragmentation, and how similar the created ponds were to natural ones. Nine ponds were constructed in December 2003 in the MeadWestvaco Wildlife Ecosystem Research Forest (MWERF) in Randolph County, West Virginia. All trapped amphibians were measured and given a pond specific mark. Three silviculture treatments were cut around all ponds in August 2006. A significant difference in air temperature was found between elevations and between silviculture treatments. A significant difference in capture rates was found between elevations. A significant difference was found between created and natural ponds.