FROG SURVEY BEGINS 7TH YEAR LANSING--State Natural Resource officials today announced the seventh annual statewide Frog and Toad Survey coordinated by the Natural Heritage Unit of the DNR Wildlife Division. Frog surveys were initiated in 1988 to increase knowledge of frog and toad abundance and distribution in Michigan at a time when frogs, toads, and other amphibians were declining worldwide. In 1996, a statewide system of permanent survey routes was developed. Each route consists of ten wetland sites, which are visited three times during spring and summer by volunteer observers. At each site, the observer identifies the species present based on calls and makes an estimate of their abundance. "This is one of our largest and most successful public involvement efforts of this type in the state," said Raymond Rustem, DNR Natural Heritage Program supervisor. To date, there are more than 400 routes statewide, running through every Michigan county. More than 130 of the routes have existed throughout all six previous years of the survey. "It may take several more years to establish population trends based on these surveys," said program Coordinator Lori Sargent. "We are on the verge of having a large, very valuable data set on Michigan's frog populations. Every year, we have additional routes, so the continued success of the program is dependent on strong volunteer support." For more information on the Frog and Toad Survey or to get information on other projects supported by the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund, visit the DNR Web site though www.midnr.com.
Source: MDNR
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