Amphibian and Reptile Surveys

 

Frog and Toad Call Surveys

Annual frog and toad call surveys are conducted on the reservation by KBNRD biologists and technicians. Surveys have taken place at 12 study locations around the reservation from 1994 to present. Various habitat types are surveyed to attempt to detect as many species as possible. Wetland habitats include wet meadow, river/streamside, marsh, pond, and fen. Surveys are conducted during the breeding period which usually spans from April through June. Some of species included in the survey are bullfrog, green frog, mink frog, spring peeper, 'Eastern gray tree frog, American toad, and fowler’stoad. Survey areas include Menge Creek, Falls River, Sand Point sloughs, Pequaming bog, Mud Lakes, and Indian Cemetery road.

 Wood FrogWood Frog
Links:
Frog Identification Handout
Frog Malformation Pamphlet
Frog & Toad Calls
Amphibians & Reptiles of Michigan (MiDNR)
Map of Reservation Frog & Toad Survey Locations		 Mink FrogMink Frog

Turtle and Salamander Surveys
With the help of the summer Youth Conservation Crew (YCC), KBNRD staff has initiated turtle and salamander surveys at several locations throughout the Reservation.   The surveys were prompted by the Lake Superior year of intensive monitoring under the Lake Superior Lakewide Management Plan.   The year of monitoring included surveys of reptiles and amphibians throughout the Lake Superior Basin. KBNRD plans to establish turtle and salamander monitoring locations to be surveyed annually by the YCC.

Wood Turtle
Salamander, Lizard, Snake Identification Handout
Turtle Identification Handout

Blue Spotted Salamander

 

 

Red-Backed Salamander

Why do we monitor amphibians and reptiles? 

Amphibians and reptiles are particularly vulnerable to changes in the environment and therefore are excellent indicators of environmental health. When amphibians start to disappear it is a warning that there is something wrong with the environment. Monitoring amphibians also allows us to update population distribution maps, increase our understanding of their breeding habits and look at overall population status and health.

Spring Peeper

Pickerel Frog

Green Frog

Snapping Turtle

Snapper Lays Eggs

Painted Turtle