Aquatic species associated with regulated rivers are can be affected by human-altered flow regimes.
For example, the threatened Oregon spotted frog relies on aquatic habitats in all life history stages, and inundation patterns can have implications for population success. Federal researchers studied Oregon spotted frogs occupying wetlands along the Deschutes River downstream from two dams managed for irrigation water to examine the relationship between seasonally inundated habitat and monthly survival probabilities. Monthly survival was strongly associated with the extent and variability of inundated habitat, suggesting some within-season fluctuations at higher water levels could be beneficial. Seasonal survival was lowest in the winter when surface water was limited. At sites connected to the river, population growth was most strongly linked to adult survival, whereas population growth at the river-disconnected site was most strongly tied to survival in juvenile stages. This research identifies population effects of seasonally limited water and highlights conservation potential of enhancing survival of particularly influential life stages.
Rowe, J.C., Duarte, A., Pearl, C.A., McCreary, B., Haggerty, P.K., Jones, J.W., Adams, M.J., 2021, Demography of the Oregon spotted frog along a hydrologically modified river: Ecosphere, v. 12, no. 6, e03634, https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3634.
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Oregon Spotted Frog
Aquatic Habitats and Communities
Herpetological Research Team (FRESC)
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Oregon Spotted Frog
The Oregon spotted frog ( Rana pretiosa ) is a medium-sized anuran native to the northwestern United States. Body coloration ranges from brown or tan to brick red, usually overlaid with dark, ragged spots. Oregon spotted frogs can be distinguished from other native species by their relatively short hind legs, orange or red wash of color on underside of abdomen and legs, and upturned chartreuse...Aquatic Habitats and Communities
The Pacific Northwest includes a patchwork of public lands managed by numerous state and federal agencies. Our research informs and supports these agencies as they conserve and manage native amphibian species, including pre- and post-treatment assessment, decision support, long-term monitoring, population translocation, and habitat restoration.Herpetological Research Team (FRESC)
The Herpetological Research Team focuses on issues related to conservation and management of amphibians and other aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Among our current studies are effects of invasive species, disease, and land use change on the dynamics of amphibian communities to inform conservation and management decision making.
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