Amphibians, Wetlands, and Forestry
Amphibian populations of some species have declined on many continents. The reasons for these trends are difficult to discern, but impacts from UV radiation, pollution, competition and predation from introduced species, and disease have all been implicated. For many species habitat loss has likely been a direct factor in declines, while for others, habitat loss may be indirectly 'stressing' populations so that they have become vulnerable to other factors, such as disease.
The majority of amphibian species in BC breed in water, often in small ephemeral habitats, not protected under current provincial or federal guidelines. Small wetland habitats are numerically abundant, and contribute to biodiversity across the landscape. They act as stepping stones, connecting populations and maintaining genetic diversity. Although there has been increasing interest in vernal pools throughout eastern North America, there is a lack of information on the role that small wetlands play within the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest; we don't know how many there are, where they are, who is using them, and what impacts their abundance and distribution.
Forest management, agriculture, and development likely have the greatest impact on the distribution and abundance of small wetland habitats. Numerous studies have investigated the impacts of forest harvesting on amphibian populations across North America in terms of terrestrial populations. However, few studies have investigated the impacts that forest harvesting may have on small wetlands and their associated species.A primary research focus of E. Wind Consulting is the role that small wetland habitats play within the environment in terms of biodiversity and general hydrology, and the factors that contribute to their distribution and abundance. In addition, we have been involved in small wetland restoration and construction projects, which includes investigating how these sites can best meet the needs of amphibians where natural wetland habitats have been lost.
Additional research areas of interest include:
- Population inventory and monitoring of Western toads in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island, where the species is suspected to be in decline.
- Impacts of non-native predators (e.g., fish stocking) on aquatic-breeding amphibians.
- Survival rates of newly metamorphosed amphibians originating in wetlands in cutover areas versus forest sites.
- The role of mixedwood and hardwood stands in the distribution and abundance of amphibian populations in coastal areas.
- Changes to macro-invertebrate and snake populations (i.e., predators on amphibians) after forest harvesting.
- Impact of the pet trade on native amphibian and reptile species.
- Public perceptions and awareness of amphibian and reptile conservation issues.