| The primary objective of this study was to develop a long-term inventory and monitoring program for reptiles and amphibians on the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, including several state endangered and threatened species namely the bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) and blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale). This study will be used as a model and standardized procedures will be developed for other Fish and Wildlife refuges in this region. A system of drift fence arrays with pitfall and funnel traps were installed on the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Aquatic trapping of salamanders and turtles, direct searches and opportunistic sampling were also utilized to capture more habitat specific species. Fourteen herptile species, reported to exist on the refuge, were not observed during trapping or opportunistic sampling in 1994. Seven of those species have not been observed since the original herpetological survey in 1967 including: Smooth earth snake, hognose snake, ringneck snake, worm snake, smooth green snake, slimy salamander, and New Jersey Chorus frog. The effects caused by natural succession and increased development within the watershed may have serious consequences on the herpetological community of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and the species diversity on the refuge appears to decline. |
