Abstract

Wood frogs were marked by toe clipping and were recaptured in a northern Minnesota peat bog for three summers. The study area, dominated by tamaracks and calla lilies in the northern half and by spruces and alders in the southern half, measured 120 yards on each side and was divided into 100 equal quadrats. A total of 1,377 individuals was handled; many were recaptured one or more times, 2,101 captures being made altogether. Frogs captured once were transients; they were on the area but not reflushed, or they died. Most recaptured individuals appeared to remain in restricted areas, distances between successive capture sites averaging 12.3 yards with a median of 7.7 yards for adults. Long distances were few and probably represented nomadic individuals. Distances between the first and second capture sites did not differ significantly from first to third distances, nor from first to fourth distances. However, distance between capture sites was significantly correlated with time elapsed, this owing to a few far—ranging individuals. For frogs at least one year old, movement in the calla lilly—tamarack cover did not differ significantly from that in the alder—spruce zone; males did not differ significantly from females in movement; and 28 to 42 mm (body length) frogs did not differ significantly from 43 to 55 mm frogs. The mean home range size was 77.2 yards2, but it was highly variable. Young, recently metamorphosed frogs invaded the study area from upland ponds in July and August. A few showed long distances between capture sites but most appeared to settle down soon after arrival distance between captures was not correlated with time elapsed. Several frogs were recaptured the year following marking, many near the original capture site. These showed significantly greater movement than those captured in one summer only, but 50% showed overwinter distances of only 15 yards or less, and 78% showed 32 yards or less. These either remained in the area to hibernate or returned after migrating to a hibernation site off the area; probably many left the area to breed and then returned. The results are discussed in the light of earlier studies in relation to home range size, general summer movement, overwinter movement, and the effects of humidity on movement.

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