Study

If you build it, they will come: herpetofaunal colonization of constructed wetlands and adjacent terrestrial habitat in the Cache River drainage of southern Illinois

  • Published source details Palis J.G. (2007) If you build it, they will come: herpetofaunal colonization of constructed wetlands and adjacent terrestrial habitat in the Cache River drainage of southern Illinois. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science, 100, 177-189.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Create or restore wetlands

Action Link
Reptile Conservation

Create wetland

Action Link
Amphibian Conservation
  1. Create or restore wetlands

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2000–2004 of three constructed wetlands in southern Illinois, USA (Palis 2007) found that reptiles colonized, and continued to colonize, wetlands over four years of monitoring. A total of 18 species were recorded including seven turtle species (38–66 individuals/wetland), nine snake species (101–129) and two lizard species (0–2). Five additional reptile species were recorded in the second year after wetland creation, two in the third year and four in the fourth year, suggesting ongoing colonization. Wetlands were created on a former vegetable farm in 1999–2000 by enclosing water behind earth dams at the end of valleys. Hardwood tree seedlings were also planted. Wetlands were surveyed in April–June in 2001–2004. Monitoring was undertaken using drift-fencing (four fences/wetland and three fences/adjacent habitat) with funnel traps (4 traps/fence), artificial coverboards (0.7 m2), visual encounter surveys and baited hoop net traps (one trap/wetland).

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

  2. Create wetland

    A before-and-after study in 2000–2004 of constructed wetlands in southern Illinois, USA (Palis 2007) found that amphibians rapidly colonized wetlands and restored surrounding terrestrial habitat. A total of 17 species were recorded with one new species each year. There were 12–15 species and 5,216–8,462 animals recorded at each wetland. Wetlands were created in 1999–2000 by enclosing water behind earth dams at the end of valleys. Hardwood tree seedlings were also planted. Wetlands were surveyed in April–June each year. Monitoring was undertaken using drift-fencing (four/wetland and three/adjacent habitat) with funnel traps (4/fence), artificial coverboards (0.7 m2), visual encounter surveys, dip-netting and frog call surveys.

     

Output references
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