Assessing bullfrog population size distribution in a wetland habitat at Montclair State University
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Lisa Hazard
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
Description
Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are a common apex predator amphibian whose habitat choices can help scientists understand health and environmental change from a top-down approach. This study investigates where bullfrogs and their tadpoles are found in the wetland habitat near Lot 45 at Montclair State University, and how factors like plant cover, water depth, and human activity affect their locations. Adult bullfrogs should prefer different areas than tadpoles with adult bullfrogs choosing deeper, open-water spaces for calling and feeding, while tadpoles stay concealed in the shallows. To test this idea, field survey sampling was conducted using visual, physical and audio evidence to estimate population size and rough location, and body size of tadpoles from different parts of the wetland was measured. We also measured water quality parameters.This research is important for understanding how amphibians survive, especially in urban areas like Montclair State University. Bullfrogs are opportunistic feeders, and they can survive in many different conditions. Because of this, studying them can give insight into how other, more fragile amphibians might survive in changing environments. This study is also easy to complete as it does not disturb the bullfrogs much, is affordable, and can be done with a small team. The results will help improve wetland conservation and provide a better understanding of how amphibians adjust to human-impacted environments.
Assessing bullfrog population size distribution in a wetland habitat at Montclair State University
Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) are a common apex predator amphibian whose habitat choices can help scientists understand health and environmental change from a top-down approach. This study investigates where bullfrogs and their tadpoles are found in the wetland habitat near Lot 45 at Montclair State University, and how factors like plant cover, water depth, and human activity affect their locations. Adult bullfrogs should prefer different areas than tadpoles with adult bullfrogs choosing deeper, open-water spaces for calling and feeding, while tadpoles stay concealed in the shallows. To test this idea, field survey sampling was conducted using visual, physical and audio evidence to estimate population size and rough location, and body size of tadpoles from different parts of the wetland was measured. We also measured water quality parameters.This research is important for understanding how amphibians survive, especially in urban areas like Montclair State University. Bullfrogs are opportunistic feeders, and they can survive in many different conditions. Because of this, studying them can give insight into how other, more fragile amphibians might survive in changing environments. This study is also easy to complete as it does not disturb the bullfrogs much, is affordable, and can be done with a small team. The results will help improve wetland conservation and provide a better understanding of how amphibians adjust to human-impacted environments.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.