Amphibians and reptiles

Abstract

The herpetofauna of the Minnesota peatlands has been influenced by a variety of factors. Some restrictive factors help explain the relatively low species richness of the herpetofauna, especially in nutrient-poor bogs, compared to other environments. In spite of limiting factors, the herpetofauna is an abundant and conspicuous component of the peatlands. In terms of biomass and numbers of individuals present, there are probably more amphibians in the peatlands than all other vertebrates combined. They are extremely important in the ecological dynamics of the peatlands in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Peatland habitats appear to be very productive environments for those species able to tolerate the special conditions found there. The distribution and abundance of the peatlands herpetofauna is due to a complex combination of physical, biotic, and historical factors; single-factor explanations for the observed patterns are not satisfactory.