Herpetological monitoring and assessment on the Trinity River, Trinity County, California—Final report
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Abstract
The primary goal of the Trinity River Restoration Program is to rehabilitate the fisheries on the dam-controlled Trinity River. However, maintaining and enhancing other wildlife populations through the restoration initiative is also a key objective. Foothill yellow-legged frogs (Rana boylii) and western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) have been identified as important herpetological species on which to focus monitoring efforts due to their status as California state-listed species of concern and potential listing on the U.S. Endangered Species List. We developed and implemented a monitoring strategy for these species specific to the Trinity River with the objectives of establishing baseline values for probabilities of site occupancy, colonization, and local extinction; identifying site characteristics that correlate with the probability of extinction; and estimating overall trends in abundance. Our 3-year study suggests that foothill yellow-legged frogs declined in the probability of site occupancy. Conversely, our results suggest that western pond turtles increased in both abundance and the probability of site occupancy. The short length of our study period makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, but these results provide much-needed baseline data. Further monitoring and directed studies are required to assess how habitat changes and management decisions relate to the status and trend of these species over the long term.
Suggested Citation
Snover, M.L., and Adams, M.J., 2016, Herpetological monitoring and assessment on the Trinity River, Trinity County, California—Final report: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016-1089, 93 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161089.
ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Data Analysis
- Results
- Discussion
- Monitoring Protocols
- Acknowledgments
- References Cited
- Appendixes A–N
Publication type | Report |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Title | Herpetological monitoring and assessment on the Trinity River, Trinity County, California—Final report |
Series title | Open-File Report |
Series number | 2016-1089 |
DOI | 10.3133/ofr20161089 |
Year Published | 2016 |
Language | English |
Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
Publisher location | Reston, VA |
Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
Description | vi, 93 p. |
Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Trinity County |
Other Geospatial | Trinity River |
Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |