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Amphibian
monitoring program
hops to action
South Bend Tribune
- 1/31
The
Indiana Department of Natural Resources wants you to count frogs.
Speculation
of recent declines in frog and toad populations has prompted the
DNR to ask for Hoosiers willing to count the amphibians late this
winter and into the summer.
The
DNR is organizing its fourth Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program,
a program originally developed from a pilot project at Indiana
University Bloomington in 1999. It is one of several programs
that make up the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP)
run by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Indiana
is home to 16 species of toads and frogs, four of which are especially
crucial to monitor. The Northern Crawfish Frog, Eastern Spadefoot
Toad, Northern Leopard Frog and Plain's Leopard Frog are listed
as "species of special concern" because of their decreased
habitat.
The
decline of frogs and toads is not restricted to the United States
but is worldwide, according to Alisha Schiffli, Indiana NAAMP
coordinator.
"Global
warming has been a concern, as well as habitat loss or destruction,
pollution and deformities," she said. "This is why we
would like to give volunteers a chance to see what Indiana's frog
and toad populations are doing."
The
DNR is asking volunteers 18 years old and older to participate
in the project by listening for breeding calls, observing habitats,
designing surveys and recording data.
Several
training workshops have been set up throughout the state to prepare
for this process. All participants are required to attend the
workshop prior to their involvement with this year's monitoring.
At
the workshops, participants will be asked to choose a survey route
to monitor from mid-February to late July or early August, the
amphibians' peak breeding season. Surveys will be conducted at
night, usually after a rainfall or mist.
Participants
can choose from two survey methods. Stationary sites include local
ponds, swamps and wetlands that provide adequate breeding sites
for either toads or frogs. The 56 national routes span 15 miles
and include 10 designated stops. Participants must complete a
five-minute stop at each area, where they will perform a number
of observations according to a set procedure.
It
is suggested that those willing to participate in the research
have Internet access so they can notify the DNR of their findings
online.
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DNR
Amphibian Monitoring Program
Anyone interested in volunteering to participate in the
program is asked to attend one of the workshops around the
state.
Workshops
nearby include:
West Lafayette
Saturday, Feb. 15 2-4 p.m.
Morton Community Center
222 N. Chauncey Ave.
(765) 755-5110
North
Judson
Saturday, Feb. 22
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kankakee Fish and Wildlife Area
4320 W. Toto Road
(574) 896-3522
The
Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program is funded annually
by donations to the Endangered Wildlife Fund on the state
income tax form. The DNR asks that Hoosiers donate all or
a portion of state tax refunds to "keep frogs and toads
hopping in Indiana" by checking line 30 on the tax
return.
Additional
information about the program and species descriptions can
be found at: DNR Amphibian Monitoring Program or by contacting
Alisha Schiffli at (317) 233-0936.
Donations
can also be made online.
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