Survey and Comparison of Amphibian Assemblages in Two Physiographic Regions of Northeast Tennessee.

• Main Author: Crockett, Marquette Elaine
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2001
• Subjects: aural survey; random walk; salamander; anuran; caudate; amphibians; Biology; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/35; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1085&context=etd

Declines in amphibian populations have prompted study of their ecology and distribution. The purpose of this study was to survey two sites located within different physiographic and one herpetofaunal region of Northeast Tennessee, comparing species composition and activity. The first, Henderson Wetland, is in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley physiographic region. The second, John's Bog, is in the Blue Ridge. Survey methods included random walks, aural surveys, and point source collections during a 16-month period (February 1999 to May 2000). Nine caudate (Plethodontidae) and one anuran species (Ranidae) were found in John's Bog. Seven caudate (Ambystomatidae, Plethodontidae, Salamandridae) and five anuran species (Hylidae, Ranidae) were found in Henderson Wetland. Assemblages were compared using an index of community similarity. Sites differed regarding amphibians detected. Temporal activity was not compared because of different species compositions. Instead, temporal data were compared to literature. Data will be used in future amphibian studies and site management.