AGRICULTURAL PONDS SUPPORT AMPHIBIAN POPULATIONS

作者：Melinda G. Knutson, William B. Richardson, Markus Reineke, Brian R. Gray, Jeffrey R. Parmelee, Shawn E. Weick · 发表于：Ecological Applications · 年份：2004 · DOI：10.1890/02-5305 · 被引用次数：375 · 研究领域：Amphibian and Reptile Biology、Wildlife Ecology and Conservation、Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation

In some agricultural regions, natural wetlands are scarce, and constructed agricultural ponds may represent important alternative breeding habitats for amphibians. Properly managed, these agricultural ponds may effectively increase the total amount of breeding habitat and help to sustain populations. We studied small, constructed agricultural ponds in southeastern Minnesota to assess their value as amphibian breeding sites. Our study examined habitat factors associated with amphibian reproduction at two spatial scales: the pond and the landscape surrounding the pond. We found that small agricultural ponds in southeastern Minnesota provided breeding habitat for at least 10 species of amphibians. Species richness and multispecies reproductive success were more closely associated with characteristics of the pond (water quality, vegetation, and predators) compared with characteristics of the surrounding landscape, but individual species were associated with both pond and landscape variables. Ponds surrounded by row crops had similar species richness and reproductive success compared with natural wetlands and ponds surrounded by nongrazed pasture. Ponds used for watering livestock had elevated concentrations of phosphorus, higher turbidity, and a trend toward reduced amphibian reproductive success. Species richness was highest in small ponds, ponds with lower total nitrogen concentrations, tiger salamanders ( Ambystoma tigrinum ) present, and lacking fish. Multispecies reproductiv...