Amphibian colonisation of new ponds in an agricultural landscape
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Published source details
Baker J.M.R. & Halliday T.R. (1999) Amphibian colonisation of new ponds in an agricultural landscape. The Herpetological Journal, 9, 55-64.
Published source details Baker J.M.R. & Halliday T.R. (1999) Amphibian colonisation of new ponds in an agricultural landscape. The Herpetological Journal, 9, 55-64.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Create ponds for amphibians Action Link |
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Create ponds for amphibians
A replicated, site comparison study of 78 constructed farm ponds in England, UK (Baker & Halliday 1999) found that amphibian colonization of constructed and existing ponds was similar, although species composition differed. Amphibians were found in 65% of constructed and 71% of existing ponds, or 26% and 39% respectively once ponds with frogspawn introductions had been removed (16 new; 3 existing). Numbers of species in each type were also similar (3–4). Common toad Bufo bufo was found significantly more frequently (40 vs 22%) and great crested newt Triturus cristatus (9 vs 20%) and smooth newt Triturus vulgaris (23 vs 39%) less frequently in constructed ponds. Common frogs Rana temporaria and toads were found significantly more frequently, smooth newts less and great crested newts were never found with fish. Constructed ponds were significantly larger (1,704 vs 409 m2) and had higher proportions of fish (54 vs 20%) and waterfowl (46 vs 14%) than existing ponds. Egg, torch and dip-netting surveys were undertaken at 78 new and 49 existing ponds over 3,000 km2. Habitat data were also collected.
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