Habitat suitability index models for the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata maculata) in the foothills parkland natural sub-region and Bow River sub-basin, Alberta

Abstract

<p>Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were developed for the wood frog (Rana sylvatica) and for the boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata maculata) in the Foothills Parkland Natural Sub-region and Bow River Sub-basin in west-central Alberta. The models are based on key habitat variables that had significant relationships with the . . population estimates detennined from night calling surveys. The models were first derived from literature that was related to ·wood frog and boreal chorus frog habitat and then tested in the field. Using chi-square analysis with a significance level of 0.01, fish presence, water movement, and dominant vegetation were discovered to be key habitat variables for both species. The key habitat variables for each species were integrated into HSI models. The HSI models can bt} used to determine the baseline and future quality of habitat for each species. </p>