Young frogs move less on land, putting their survival at risk
Researchers simulated an ephemeral pond rapidly losing water, to see how unusually warm and dry conditions affect frog development
— by Oregon State University
New Oregon State University research shows that juvenile northern red-legged frogs that have experienced climate-related stress as tadpoles are less likely to move on land, putting their survival at risk.
The findings indicate changing patterns of precipitation and drought will influence the distribution and persistence of animals that live in freshwater habitats, said Evan Bredeweg.
They spend the first part of their life in ponds but after metamorphosis, they move to upland forested areas where they mature and live as adults.
Individuals have been known to disperse as far as 2½ kilometers, but most stay within 100 meters of their pond.