The Fate of Amphibians and Reptiles in a Suburban Area

Abstract

Between 1949 and 1958, two species of salamanders, six species of anurans, six species of turtles and seven species of snakes were recorded from a suburban area on the edge of Indianapo- lis, Indiana. Most were terrestrial or semiaquatic species of broad ecological tolerance. At least 11 species bred within the area during this period. During 1963 and 1964 only two species of anurans, one species of turtle and four species of snakes were recorded, and there was no evidence of amphibian breeding. Modification of aquatic habi- tat appears to have been the most important factor in reducing the number of species inhabiting the area. This report is an informal summary of observations on amphibians and rep- tiles in Valley View, a suburban area at the north edge of Indianapolis, Indiana, from February, 1949 through May, 1958, and from November, 1962 through Aug- ust, 1964. Between 1949 and 1954, a fair census of the herpetofauna was made largely through the enthusiastic participation of our younger neighbors, especially David Trusty and Fred Grannan. Subsequent to 1954, there was less collecting, but observations continued throughout our period of residence. I gratefully acknow- ledge the invaluable help of my wife, Madge, and my daughters, Brooks, April and Holly, and my neighbors for their aid in compiling the information summarized here. The area where most of these observations were made is about a mile northeast of Broad Ripple community at the east edge of the White River flood plain. It is roughly trapezoidal in shape measuring 0. 3 miles from east to west, 0. 25 miles north to south along the west border and 0. 4 miles along the east border. The north boundary is Bailey Creek, a small stream that flows directly into White River about 0. 3 miles west of the area. The south boundary is Hamp's Ditch draining a tract of formerly swampy woodland into White River. The westernmost section of the ditch marks the north edge of Broad Ripple Park. Keystone Avenue and Evan- ston Avenue form the east and west boundaries respectively. In 1949 both were thoroughfares of approximately equal width carrying a comparable volume of traf- fic; by 1962 Keystone Avenue had become a major, multilane traffic artery. Streets within the area carry a comparatively light load of local traffic. Development of the area as a residential suburb began about 1940, largely ceased during World War II and was resumed in 1947. Today the area is entirely residential; in 1949 it included several unimproved lots and part of a corn field bordered by trees and bushes. Undergrowth and cover in the form of logs and rubbish were fairly abun- dant along Bailey Creek and Hamp's Ditch in 1949 but had almost vanished by 1964. The area was probably originally forested. Native hardwoods of considerable size remain along with introduced evergreens and other ornamentals. Until 1951 a small stock pond was located just outside the area. Traces of original vegetation ob- served in 1949 indicated that the area between 65th Street and Hamp's Ditch may have been open and marshy. In 1949 Bailey Creek presented the appearance of many central Indiana farm- land streams. The banks were gently sloping and covered with willows and other