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Abstract
| Reptiles and amphibians are beneficial organisms in many ecosystems because their diet of insects and small rodents helps control populations of these animals often considered as pests. Alteration of natural habitat may disturb this balance in ecosystem diversity. Baseline data sets of composition and populations of organisms should be recorded for present and future use to ensure a fit habitat for all organisms. The goal of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy to restore a 318 acre oldfield grassland, located in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, to native sand prairie vegetation, includes concern for maintenance of species composition and diversity. In a limited study in 2001 using cover objects, Ruhser found one individual of each of two species: common garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, and leopard frog, Rana pipiens. In this expanded study, conducted during 2002, two survey methods were used, with more frequent checks over a longer period of time. The array of 72 cover objects used in the 2001 survey were also used during this study; in addition, two drift fences with pitfalls were used. Drift fences yielded a much higher rate of return per unit effort, compared to cover objects: 0.041% for cover boards, 2.273% for drift fences. Four different animals were encountered during the 2002 survey: three eastern American toads, Bufo americanus, and a common garter snake, Thanmophis sirtalis. Incidental encounters with mammals were noted, but no data were recorded on these animals. |
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