| Abstract: | Movements of Columbia spotted frogs ( Rana luteiventris ) were determined after breeding to provide managers with information on habitat requirements. We radio-tagged 47 adults and observed movements occurring with 22 frogs. Eleven frogs remained in breeding ponds, and 11 moved to other ponds or river stretches during spring and summer 1998. Distances frogs traveled to other water bodies ranged from 15 to 560 m. Movements appeared to be influenced by availability of habitat and aquatic conditions. Eleven of 16 frogs located within 100 m of other permanent water sources moved, while no frogs at an isolated breeding pond moved. Frogs moved to river stretches in July where water temperatures averaged 5.6 ° C cooler than ponds. Knowledge of Columbia spotted frog movements and habitat use in summer enables land managers to make decisions on activities that affect aquatic sites, vegetation, and stream structures that may influence frog populations. |
