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Under the Canopy: How Microclimates Influence Amphibians
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Fall 2025
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2025-12-11
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Amphibians are an important indicator species of microclimate conditions and ecosystem health. Canopy cover, soil temperature, and substrate strongly influence species health and abundance. Herpetofauna are associated with coarse woody debris and other cover objects that alter microsite conditions increasing soil nutrients and moisture. Canopy and site conditions are correlated with soil moisture and temperature and can determine amphibian community composition. Droughts are becoming more common in the northeast and have profound effects on moisture-reliant species such as fish and herpetofauna. Lack of soil moisture influences leaf litter quality and decomposition rates in the understory. We evaluated how microclimatic factors (e.g., canopy cover and soil temperature) influence these species especially during periods of experiencing regional drought. In fall 2025, we performed amphibian cover object searches along transects in rural wetland habitats in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties in northern NY. Herpetofauna were identified and morphometric measurements (e.g., weight, length), as well as abiotic site conditions (e.g., substrate type, microhabitat temperature, percent canopy cover, soil series) were recorded using the Survey123 app. At point of capture, soil temperature was obtained using a thermal imager (FLUKE Ti125) and percent canopy cover by uploading canopy photos into the Canopeo app. Our findings indicate that higher canopy cover results in cooler soil temperatures and greater amphibian abundance. Across all sites except the high elevation forested Paul Smiths VIC, northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) were the most abundant species and require open habitat near wetlands for spring breeding, meadows in the summer, and wetlands that will not freeze in the winter for brumation. Green frogs (L. clamitans) were unique to Mace Chasm because of pool and riffle stream conditions necessary for breeding. Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) found only in Port Douglas require forested areas and vernal pools for breeding, as do spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) found only at Paul Smiths. While northern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea bislineata) were only found at the edge of the Great Chazy River in Lewis Preserve. Highest percent canopy cover supported numerous red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) at Paul Smiths. Sites surveyed are characterized by moist microclimates essential for amphibian survival. Closed canopy conditions increase the likelihood of coarse woody debris microhabitat for amphibians. Future droughts will continue in frequency, so conserving mature structurally complex woodlands is essential.