May 6, 2016 at 3:09 p.m.
Citizen Science: Frog and Toad Survey
Get involved in the frog and toad survey
Citizen Science: Frog and Toad Survey
Many people are curious about the world around them and would like to learn more about the flora and fauna we all enjoy in Wisconsin. However, many have no idea how to get involved in the research and monitoring of different species in the state. The truth is, there are many citizen science opportunities available to anyone who would like to participate. Every year, people work on a volunteer basis to monitor and report on a variety of plant and animal species. This helps with management decisions and can be an indicator of the health of the environment. One of those opportunities is the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey (WFTS).
There are 12 species of frogs and toads in Wisconsin. Many of them are declining in numbers. This decline was the impetus behind the start of the WFTS, which began in 1981. Statewide surveys began in 1984. Amphibians are good indicators of the health of the overall environment, and a decline in many species is a cause for concern. For that reason, volunteers undertake survey routes every year, with approximately two WFTS survey routes per county. Phenology studies are done in an unlimited number all across the state as well. This means there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
During the WFTS studies, a route, made up of 10 wetlands, is visited three times per year. Visits are conducted in the early spring, late spring and summer. The first run is done sometime in April when the water temperatures are in the 50-degree range. The second is done from late May to early June with water temps in the 60s, and the third and final run is conducted when the water temperatures are over 70 degrees, in early to mid-July. The survey is structured this way because certain species of frogs mate, and hence call, at different times of year that correspond to these water temperatures. The individual conducting the survey simply listens from the prescribed location, and records the frogs heard. The estimate of density of a particular frog is rated on a scale of 1 to 3. Other factors are also recorded such as time, air temperature, sky conditions and wind. All of the information is sent in to the Bureau of Natural Conservation by the middle of August to be compiled with data from all across the state. This information is used to give estimates to the populations of various frogs throughout Wisconsin. The Phenology studies, volunteers simply select one or two sites to monitor throughout the spring and summer. Those results, too, are sent to the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation at the DNR.
Everything an individual may need to complete a phenology survey can be found on the Wisconsin Frog and Toad survey page of the Wisconsin Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Inventory website, wiatri.net. One thing visitors will find is a link to a frog call and quiz from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). On this page, users can choose a particular type of frog or toad and hear its call. Users can then familiarize themselves with the different calls before heading out in the field. It is recommended new surveyors learn the calls of several frogs before attempting their first survey and, even then, it is best, according to the WIATRI, to make the first trip with an experienced surveyor. It has been found this offers the most accurate information and allows new citizen scientists to learn best practices when conducting a frog and toad survey.
Phenology data sheets can also be downloaded from the website. This data sheet contains all of the information one would need to conduct a proper survey. It provides instructions as well as a key to help the surveyor record the density of any species of frogs.
Conducting a frog and toad survey will help to estimate the habitat, location and population of our 12 frog and toad species, and is a great opportunity for those interested to take part in a statewide citizen science project. But, it can also be a fun way to spend the evening with kids or grandkids. Simply spend some time listening to the frog calls on the USGS website, print out a phenology survey, and conduct your own surveys near home just for fun. For other citizen science opportunities around the state, visit wiatri.net and get involved this summer.
Beckie Joki may be reached at [email protected].
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