Photo: Toad, by Josh Sutlift, 2008
The Ann Arbor area has habitat for as many as ten species of frogs and toads, collectively called "anurans." Several of these show up often in our Frog and Toad Survey!
In recent years, many have been concerned with the apparent population declines of several of these species. This concern is not just for the species themselves, but also for the ecosystems in which they play a role. Frogs and toads are very sensitive to changes in water quality and adjacent land use. Thus, their presence can serve as an indicator of environmental quality.
Frogs and toads can be identified by their calls. To hear frog and toad calls on the web, visit the USGS’ Frog Quiz.
Conservation notes for all amphibians:
- Breeding sites are sensitive to run-off from pesticides, herbicides, and other pollutants, such as road salt. All of these items affect eggs and larvae.
- Destruction of breeding sites are major reasons for declines.
- Populations have been reduced or died out by the draining of small wetlands and the conversion of habitat to urban or agricultural use.
- Habitat fragmentation and the resulting mortality along roads during spring migrations have also played a role in population decline.
