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Soil Mates: Finding the Perfect Match Between Herpetofauna and Microhabitats
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Fall 2025
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2025-12-11
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Amphibian biodiversity is threatened by climate change. Microhabitat structure, including cover objects such as rocks and logs, are essential in creating conditions conducive to retaining moisture and nutrients that support amphibians. During a drought year, we compared biodiversity and site condition differences between two structurally different wetland systems (e.g., stream,vernal pool) in Rugar Woods. In fall 2025, we performed herpetofaunal cover object searches and minnow trapping to evaluate differences in species richness and community composition at each site. Additionally, we assessed abiotic conditions at each site by collecting water (e.g., pH, conductivity, total suspended solids) and soil samples (e.g., pH, % moisture, % organic carbon). Community similarity was 22% at the stream and vernal pool sites with species richness was similar at both sites with red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) being common to both. The stream (S=5) was dominated by green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) and contained two crayfish species and bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus). In contrast, the herpetofaunal community was more diverse at the vernal pool (S=4) and was dominated by red-backed salamanders, wood frogs, as well as American toads (Anaxyrus americanus), and few fish except for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Soil pH was significantly different between sites and was higher in the stream than vernal pool, unlike any other water and soil-based abiotic factor evaluated. The amount of organic matter in soil impacts pH; it is possible that the vernal pool was more acidic because organic matter can more easily settle at the bottom of a vernal pool than at the bottom of a stream. Vernal pools contain decomposing organic matter making the soil more acidic favoring more robust species such as red-backed salamanders and other frogs. These findings suggest that microhabitat structure and abiotic conditions can influence herpetofaunal community composition under drought conditions. Understanding these habitat-specific differences can help guide conservation strategies aimed at supporting sensitive species in a changing climate.