Behavioral Observations And Dietary Analysis Of Bullfrog (Rana Catesbieana) Tadpoles To Determine The Utilization Of Submerged Riparian Trees On Lake Katherine, Oneida County
Nicole M. Harings, Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481; (715) 341-8386; FAX (715) 423-7268; nharings@uwsp.edu
Kristy M. Kleczka, Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Michael A. Bozek, Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Michael G. Newbrey, Wisconsin Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
The utilization of submerged riparian trees in littoral zones of lakes by a wide array of organisms including bullfrog tadpoles Rana catesbieana suggests the important contribution undeveloped shorelines have to aquatic systems. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution, habitat, and diet of bullfrog tadpoles relative to the distribution and architectural characteristics of submerged trees in a north temperate lake. Visual observations using snorkel, SCUBA, and boat surveys at randomly selected lake sites and along contour isopleths in specific basins of the lake were used to assess the distribution and habitat use of bullfrog tadpoles along shorelines of Lake Katherine relative to submerged trees. Behaviors such as resting, feeding, and basking were observed using snorkel and SCUBA. Diet, determined from stomach analysis, was determined from tadpoles collected from different habitats at each study site. Bullfrog tadpoles were significantly more abundant in areas with submerged riparian trees than in those lacking trees. However, complexity of submerged trees was not significantly related to the abundance of bullfrog tadpoles present. The meso-distribution of bullfrog tadpoles within a single basin of the lake was related to behavior and diet pattern. These data show clear relations between components of riparian areas and littoral zones, and the distribution of bullfrog tadpoles. Furthermore, these data suggest that protection of undeveloped shorelines plays an integral role in maintaining important habitats to amphibians at the riparian area-littoral zone interface.