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Degree

Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology, 2005.

Abstract

Amphibians represent an important aspect of wetland ecosystems. Since the 1990’s, many herpetologists have supported the idea that amphibian population declines have become more frequent. Destruction and degradation of aquatic and terrestrial habitat have been implicated as important causes of amphibian population declines. While many amphibian species rely on both aquatic and surrounding terrestrial habitat for continued persistence, current regulations often provide an inadequate degree of protection in these terrestrial areas. Some states have adopted limited buffer zones to offer additional protection to these important terrestrial regions. The major goal of this study was to determine if the distribution and abundance of aquatic breeding amphibians within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is related to various surrounding habitat and water quality characteristics. The results of the current study indicate that certain species may be more strongly impacted by land-use in areas most directly adjacent to aquatic breeding sites.

Keywords

AMPHIBIANS; AQUATIC

Advisor

Francisco B. Moore

Pages

82p.

Document number: akron1133815626
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1133815626

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