Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative

Why Study Amphibians?

Reports of declines in amphibian populations highlighted the need for data on the potential causes and how amphibians status could be improved in the United States.

The life history of amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders) makes them susceptible to changes in the environment. Their moist permeable skin can make them vulnerable to changes in water availability and quality. Many amphibians disperse between aquatic sites for breeding, terrestrial sites for foraging, and into over-wintering sites, making them susceptible to habitat changes and micro-climate variation. Managing lands for amphibian populations will benefit other wildlife.

Approach

Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) scientists divide their time between research and robust monitoring on DOI lands. The research projects vary regionally, reflecting local conservation priorities.

ARMI is an inter-disciplinary program. ARMI Hydrology supports ARMI Biology in many monitoring and research projects, and geospatial questions are supported by ARMI Geography.

ARMI scientists use a collaborative approach and often work with other agencies and university scientists. This increases our effectiveness because we have a larger impact with our research dollar, and it diversifies our perspective as researchers.

Structure

ARMI is composed of researchers from the Biology, Water, and Mapping Divisions of USGS, making this a truly interdisciplinary program. The country is divided into 7 regions (blocks of States), each with at least one principle investigator from Biology and Water.

Lianne Ball, Ph.D. ARMI National Coordinator

For more information on amphibian research please visit ARMI site at http://armi.usgs.gov/