Mine spoil prairies expand critical habitat for endangered and threatened amphibian and reptile species

Diversity
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Abstract

Coal extraction has been occurring in the Midwestern United States for over a century. Despite the pre-mining history of the landscape as woodlands, spent surface coalfields are often reclaimed to grasslands. We assessed amphibian and reptile species on a large tract of coal spoil prairie and found 13 species of amphibians (nine frog and four salamander species) and 19 species of reptiles (one lizard, five turtle, and 13 snake species). Two state-endangered and three state species of special concern were documented. The amphibian diversity at our study site was comparable to the diversity found at a large restored prairie situated 175 km north, within the historic prairie peninsula.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mine spoil prairies expand critical habitat for endangered and threatened amphibian and reptile species
Series title Diversity
Volume 1
Issue 2
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Publisher location Basel, Switzerland
Contributing office(s) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Diversity
First page 118
Last page 132
Country United States
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