Cuban Treefrog Research at UF

 

Morris Bridge Wellfield / Flatwoods Park
 Long-Term Amphibian Monitoring Project

 

The Morris Bridge Wellfield / Flatwoods Wilderness Park Long-Term Amphibian Monitoring Project is the collaborative effort of Dr. Steve Johnson of the University of Florida, Dr. Todd Campbell of the University of Tampa and Kym Rouse Campbell of Environ Corp. This group of biologists, technicians and student volunteers studies the distribution and impacts of the invasive Cuban Treefrog, (Osteopilus septentrionalis). The sixty-four wetlands used in this study have been greatly impacted by wellfield pumping to augment Tampa's water supply, which has in turn greatly affected treefrog populations. This site, on land owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, is managed by Hillsborough County as part of a series of public parks. The long term amphibian monitoring project uses a three part approach to study the effects Cuban Treefrogs are having on native treefrog populations already highly impacted by wellfield pumping.

Frog Call Surveys

Frog call surveys at each wetland during the summer breeding season measure calling activity by males. Call surveyors use standard methods (from North American Amphibian Monitoring Program), recording both the number of species calling and an estimate of the number of calling males.

Tadpole Surveys

Tadpole surveys at each wetland with water during the summer breeding season measure breeding activity and tadpole diversity. Dip nets are used to collect tadpoles from different areas within the wetland, then the tadpoles are identified, counted and measured. This provides information about the success of breeding amphibians.

Adult Monitoring Study

Last, but certainly not least, researchers use PVC pipe refuges installed around wetlands to attract treefrogs. Frogs are removed from the pipes, weighed, measured, and marked with elastomer -- basically, we give them a "tattoo." The frogs are then released in the pipes where they were found, free to come and go as they please until the next pipe checking session. This sampling method will provide a lot of important information about these treefrogs, including growth rates and an estimate of population size. After we collect some baseline data, Cuban Treefrogs will be removed from some sites, so that we can study the response of native treefrog populations and learn more about the impacts of Cuban Treefrogs and the possible benefits of removing them.