3. Local and Landscape-Scale Variables Influencing the Use of Ponds by Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) in the Shakwak Valley, Yukon

Abstract

A global decline in amphibian population numbers has generated a large body of research focused on amphibian habitat selection and species diversity conservation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the significance of both local and landscape-scale variables on wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) pond habitat selection in the Shakwak Trench in Yukon, Canada. Presence or absence of wood frogs was used to determine pond occurrence values for 40 different ponds. Independent local variables were collected in the field and through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Landscape variables were derived with GIS and were analyzed under a 1000m buffer around the perimeter of the study ponds. Pond perimeter and dominant perimeter vegetation were significant local variables. Small ponds with a dominant sedge vegetation types seemed to be selected over larger ponds. Large lake area in the landscape buffers had a significant negative relationship for wood frog habitat selection. Significant variables in this study are similar to those in previous studies or can be linked to other important variables such as pond hydroperiod and total forested area. Results should be considered to act as preliminary findings in a much more comprehensive and complete future amphibian habitat selection study of the area.