| The loss and degradation of wetlands and other human alterations to habitat can have detrimental effects on amphibian populations. Recently there has been a trend of restoring and creating new wetlands to offset historic losses. These new habitats have the potential to increase amphibian diversity and abundance. The long term effectiveness of small isolated constructed ponds for amphibian recruitment could be important for maintaining amphibian populations. This study found small isolated impoundments without fish built in southwestern Nebraska during the 1950's for cattle watering were capable of supporting amphibian reproduction. These ponds also provide the necessary habitat for Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) to colonize the modified landscape approximately 40 years after the ponds were created. Sampling of larval amphibians at these ponds provided evidence that Painted turtles were able to eat amphibians. Controlled feeding trials found that C. picta consume larval A. mavortium, A. woodhousii, L. blairi, P. maculata, and S. bombifrons equally. Thus, creation of wetlands to conserve amphibian populations must also be aware of turtle populations as they may negatively impact recruitment. |
