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Establishing a baseline: the amphibians of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy counties, Florida

Florida Scientist
By: , and 

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Abstract

From 2002-2006, we used a variety of sampling techniques to survey the amphibians and water chemistry of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida’s Big Bend region. We recorded 23 amphibian species, 19 frogs and 4 salamanders. Species richness was lower than in other areas of the coastal Big Bend region to the north, perhaps due to a combination of proximity to the limits of species’ ranges, sampling techniques, times of year when sampling occurred, and variation in detection probabilities among years and regions. Amphibians occupied a wide variety of habitats and appeared tolerant of the generally acidic conditions of many of the wetlands. Small streams and the Suwannee River were less acidic and had greater conductivities and mineral concentrations than isolated ponds; concentrations of heavy metals varied and mercury was not detected. Although additional species may yet be found in LSNWR, this survey provides a historic baseline for assessing future status and trends of amphibian populations as areas adjacent to the refuge are disturbed and as restoration and multi-use management continue within its boundaries.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Establishing a baseline: the amphibians of Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy counties, Florida
Series title Florida Scientist
Volume 80
Issue 4
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher Florida Academy of Sciences
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 133
Last page 144
Country United States
State Florida
County Dixie County, Levy County
Other Geospatial Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
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