A temporal and spatial comparison of the movements of three frogs (genus Rana) among farm and forested landscapes in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

The temporal and spatial movements of Rana sylvatica, Rana pipiens and Rana clamitans was assessed at three scales in two landscapes, one dominated by forested habitat, the other by agriculture. The results of the three studies support the conclusion that specific elements within landscapes influence the movement of these three species to and from breeding sites.;Results of the seasonal survey (n = 195 days) indicate that at a broad scale, temporal movement patterns are tri-phasic for all three species, with peak movements occurring in the spring, mid summer and early fall. The spatial movement patterns suggest that stream and riparian habitat impede movements to ponds in the non-forested landscape but facilitate movements in the forested landscape. The size of the frog contributes to the movement patterns observed.;Results of the mark-recapture study indicate that at a meso scale, the movements of frogs displaced within 300 metres from philopatric ponds (n = 24 routes) are influenced by type of habitat. The data indicate that field habitat facilitates movement to ponds, and linear aquatic elements impede movements to ponds.;Results of the telemetry study using R. clamitans (n = 32), indicate that at a fine spatial scale, the specific responses to different habitat types influences movement. Forested habitat, residential areas and linear aquatic elements impede movements (frogs remain in these habitats for extended periods of time) across the landscape. Fields with and without cover and roads facilitate movements (high rates of movement) across the landscape.;In all three studies, drainage ditches in the non-forested landscape appear to act as barriers to movement. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).