 |
| Pacific Treefrog © Robert C. Drewes © California Academy of Sciences |
|
|
 Each of you plays an important role in amphibian conservation when participating in Frogwatch USA by collecting vital information about frogs and toads in the United States. Over 200 amphibian species from around the world have experienced recent population declines. As amphibians are an indicator of ecosystem health, this widespread trend raises many concerns about the health of our environment. Because the information that you submit to Frogwatch USA will ultimately help scientists gain a better understanding of these amphibians and the health of their populations, be sure that you collect your information properly. One way you can be sure your observations are helpful is by following all of the instructions listed in the Frogwatch USA Monitoring Protocol. The closer you come to following the protocol, the more helpful your data will be.
Here are some important details to keep in mind while frogwatching:
When to Frogwatch
You should start frogwatching about 30 minutes after sunset or even later in the evening. This time of night is suggested because this is when most species are actively calling and it's also the best time to identify all of the species that you hear.
Don't disturb breeding amphibians
Remember that you are listening to frogs and toads during a sensitive time so it is important to keep some distance between you and your monitoring site. This will ensure that the breeding area is left undisturbed. If you want to explore the area around the site, please follow the Declining Amphibians Populations Task Force Fieldwork Code of Practice.
What's the weather like?
There may be an important relationship between the species you hear calling and the weather conditions. So be sure to record all of the weather information that is asked for on the Frogwatch USA data sheet.
The Beaufort scale is a system for estimating wind speeds. Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857) of the British navy introduced the scale in 1806 to describe wind effects on ships and later it included descriptions of effects on land features as well. Take a look at the Beaufort wind speed scale provided on your datasheet to estimate the wind conditions when you are monitoring!
|
Beaufort Wind Scale
0…CALM: smoke rises vertically.
1…LIGHT AIR: rising smoke drifts; weather vane inactive.
2…LIGHT BREEZE: leaves rustle; can feel wind on face.
3…GENTLE BREEZE: leaves and twigs in constant motion; small flags extend.
4…MODERATE BREEZE: moves small branches; raises dust and loose paper (too windy to monitor).
5…FRESH BREEZE: small trees in leaf begin to sway (way too windy to monitor).
|
Why only listen for three minutes?
While you can feel free to listen to the frogs and toads for as long as you like, it is important that every Frogwatcher follow the same directions when collecting information. When you are ready, cup your hands around your ears and listen for precisely 3 minutes. You can use a stopwatch or wristwatch to keep track of your time and after 3 minutes, write down the calling intensities of all of the species that you heard. Any additional information that you gather before and after those three minutes can be written down in the "Notes" section of your datasheet.
I don't know what species it is!
Correctly identifying the species you hear calling is very important when you submit data to Frogwatch USA. If you aren't sure about what you are hearing, bring a tape recorder and record the calls. When you get home, you can compare your recording to the calls available online through the Frogwatch USA website to help identify the sounds. If you are still unsure about a call, submit only the calling intensity information for species that you are sure about and make notes in the space provided for any additional species you need to hear again or learn more about.
Full List of Easy Frogwatching Tips:
General Frogwatching Tips
Mapping your site made easy!
Name That Tune: Frog Calls
So Many Wetlands...How Do I Choose?
Safety First… Data Second
Bring Frogwatch to Your Community
|
