Inventory and Monitoring of Amphibians and Reptiles in Olympic National Park

Title:
Inventory and Monitoring of Amphibians and Reptiles in Olympic National Park

Status: Completed

Objectives:
The prevalence of amphibian declines in western North America adds urgency to the need to document the current status of amphibians in Olympic National Park (ONP) in a manner suitable for long-term monitoring. ONP is an important park for monitoring amphibians because it is the most representative park for the unique and diverse Pacific Northwest amphibian fauna. Its pronounced environmental gradients coupled with what appears to be a relatively intact amphibian fauna make it ideal for long-term monitoring. While there is not currently any strong evidence of amphibian declines in ONP, there is cause for concern. Introduced fish, global change, and airborne contaminants all pose potential threats to amphibians. Furthermore, intensive logging occurs all around the park and visitor use is increasing rapidly. This project directly addresses priorities outlined in the ONP Resources Management Plan (OLYM-N-600.040; OLYM-N-801.000). The primary goal of this study is to elucidate the current status of amphibians and reptiles in ONP and to obtain baseline data for future comparison. This study will be conducted using the same principal investigators that conducted the previous stream and pond surveys. Specific objectives are to: 1. Develop repeatable sampling methods for terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. 2. Survey terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. 3. Develop a long term monitoring plan for amphibians that is compatible with other monitoring objectives for ONP. 4. Complete surveys of pond amphibians.

Galvan, S.K., Adams, M.J., Happe, P.J., Claeson, S.M., 2003, Final Report- Olympic National Park amphibian and reptile inventory, with emphasis upon terrestrial herpetofauna (1999-2001): USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, p. 94. [FullText] Catalog No: 1254

Contact:
Adams, Michael J. - Supervisory Research Ecologist
Phone: 541-758-8857
Email: mjadams@usgs.gov

Study Description