The Use of Automated Data-Acquisition Techniques in Monitoring Amphibian and Reptile Populations

Abstract

A major problem associated with herpetolgical survey and monitoring propams is that environmental variation affects activiti and, thus , our ability to determine the presence and abundance of amphibians and reptiles. This paper discusses how automated data-acquisition techniques can be used to quentify the relatronships between environntal variation and animals activity and thereby improve surveys and monitoringprograms. Two majro issues are adressed: (1) how to describe temporal and spatial variation in the Phisical environment, and (2) how to measure the activity patterns of free-ranging animals. We use an automated weather station to gather environntental data and techniques such as radiotelemetry and audio recording to determine activity patterns. Combining environmental and acivity data helps optimize where, when, and under what conditions to sarnple. We illustrate our approach with data on the effects of environmental variation on the activity patterns of rubber boas (Charina bottae) an on the calling activity of southwestern toads (Bufo microscaphus).