Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6495-213X

Advisor

Rush, Scott A.

Committee Member

Kouba, Andrew J.

Committee Member

Lannoo, Michael J.

Committee Member

Sandel, Michael W.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Major

Forest Resources (Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

Gopher frogs (Rana [Lithobates] capito) are a species in decline in the southeastern United States. In Alabama, gopher frogs are a species of greatest conservation need, only known to consistently breed in two ponds in the south of the state; however, efforts to restore breeding ponds and to reintroduce metamorphs throughout their historic range are ongoing. The objectives of this dissertation were to assess trends in gopher frog ecology in Alabama to inform conservation plans. In chapter 2, I used radiotelemetry to assess the post-breeding movements of gopher frogs in 2021 and 2022. I found that frogs in Alabama moved farther than frogs in Florida and Georgia when compared to past studies. Additionally, I found that tracked gopher frogs preferred stump holes as upland refugia, and occurred closer to roads than random points, suggesting a possible use of roads as a migration corridor. This information on the movement patterns of gopher frogs in Alabama can be used by land managers to determine target areas and times for management actions. In chapter 3, I compared upland microhabitat characteristics at points used by frogs with random points in the landscape. I found that points occupied by gopher frogs had greater amounts of non-wiregrass vegetation, less leaf litter, and less canopy coverage when compared to random points. This information can be used to inform land management efforts to ensure adequate resources are present for gopher frog use, as well as for reintroduction planning. In chapter 4, I explored interspecific breeding relationships using call survey and dip net survey data, as well as how patterns of occupancy of breeding ponds correlated with breeding area characteristics via multi-species occupancy models. I found that gopher frogs were associated with breeding ponds that were deeper, ephemeral, and had open canopies – trends that were observed across amphibian taxa. These associations can help inform restoration and reintroduction efforts and suggest that improved breeding areas for gopher frogs may benefit other amphibian species simultaneously. Altogether, the research presented here offers information on gopher frog ecology that informs management decisions for this imperiled frog.

Sponsorship (Optional)

This study was funded through Section 6 (E-1-31), a Competitive State Wildlife Grant (F20AP00266), The Gopher Tortoise Council J. Larry Landers Student Research Grant, and The Orianne Society Grant Program for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation in the Southeast.

Download

Share

COinS