Northern Leopard Frog: A GIS Study of Habitat Expansion

Northern Leopard Frog Rebecca McKevitz

September 2014

LA401

Table of Contents Page 1: Introduction to Project Page 2: Introduction to Species Page 3: GIS Study #1 Page 4: GIS Map #1 Page 5: GIS Study #2 Page 6: GIS Map #2 Page 7: GIS Study #3 Page 8: GIS Map #3 Page 9: Analysis & Conclusion

Project Introduction Biodiversity is defined as the degree of variation of life on earth. Biodiversity contributes to the health and stability of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, with the immense amount of endangered species across the United States, and especially in Indiana, it is crucial that we work to protect the habitats of these important species in order to increase their chances of reproduction and thus their survival.

The main objective of this project was to utilize ArcGIS in order to choose an ideal site for a state-of-the-art preserve and interpretive center for the Northern Leopard Frog. The following is research that was compiled and analyzed in order to select the best site for this species.

Goals AND Objectives 1. Ensure the availability of a grassand

-to ensure the best chance of Northern Leopard Frog’s survival 2. Locate the site where permanent, slow moving water is available

-in order to provide a place for the Northern Leopard Frog to reproduce 3. Choose a location where grasslands are adjacent to wetlands

-both survival and reproduction will help protect the Northern Leopard Frog 4. Consider a site in close proximity to educational facilities

-in order to utilize the Northern Leopard Frog for research purposes 5. Choose a site located away from densely developed areas

-to avoid acidental death or poision of Northern Leopard Frogs

Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Northern leopard frogs are named for the array of irregularly shaped dark spots that cover their backs and legs. They are greenish-brown in color with a white underside and lighter colored ridges on either side of their backs. They usually grow to about 5 inches and are considered medium sized frogs. Females are slightly larger than males.

As indicated by the map below, Northern Leopard Frogs live across most of North America, except on the Pacific Coast. They generally live near ponds and marshes. They often utilize well-covered grasslands in order protect themselves from predators.

Leopard frogs will eat a wide variety of other animals. They typically eat beetles, ants, flies, worms, smaller frogs, including their own species, and even birds, and garter snakes.

Possible Reasons for Endangerment: pesticides, ultraviolet radiation, pollution, acid rain, global warming, and contamination of air, soil and water. sedimentation, change of temperature, predators in breeding areas, diseases, drought and frost.

Quick Facts Type: Amphibian Diet: Carnivore Average life span in the wild: 2 to 4 years Size: 3 to 5 in (7.6 to 12.7 cm) Habitat: Ponds, Marshlands, Grasslands Protection status: Threatened

GIS Flowchart, Study 1 Land cover (GAP DATA)

Land cover (GAP DATA)

Land cover (GAP DATA)

Select Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Select Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands

Select Water

Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands

Water

Select grasslands ≥ 5 acres

Select by location (within 50 feet)

Select by location (within 50 feet)

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 10 acres within 50 feet of wetlands

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 10 acres within 50 ft of wetland and 50 ft of water

Select grasslands ≤ 10 acres

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 10 acres

Roads

Select by location (within 50 ft.)

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 10 acres within 50 ft of wetland and 50 ft of water and 50 feet of roads

Schools

Select by location (within 50 ft.)

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 10 acres within 50 ft of wetland and 50 ft of water and 50 feet of roads and 50 ft of schools

GIS Map, Study 1

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Study #1 involved the largest variety of GIS data which eventually narrowed site options down to one final site. The most important data layers in this study were the Grasslands, Streams and Standing Water, and Roads. Schools were also considered when choosing sites in order to allow students to have access to studying the Northern Leopard Frog and other wetland species.

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Grasslands/Herbaceous Water Roads Streams Schools

Streams & Standing Water

Grasslands

GIS Flowchart, Study 2 Land cover (GAP DATA)

Land cover (GAP DATA)

Land cover (GAP DATA)

Select Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Select Woody Wetlands

Select Water

Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Woody Wetlands

Water

Select grasslands ≥ 5 acres

Select by location (within .5 miles)

Select by location (within 50 feet)

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 6 acres within .5 miles of woody wetland

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 6 acres within .5 miles of wetland and 50 ft of water

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres

Select grasslands ≤ 6 acres

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 6 acres

GIS Map, Study 2

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Study #2 combined the Northern Leopard Frog’s three most ideal habitats in order to decide on an ideal site for the species. Considering Grasslands, Standing Water and Woody Wetlands pulled different results than Study #1 but would provide the most diverse and ideal habitat for the Northern Leopard Frog. The size of the Grassland area as well as proximity to the Water and Wetlands was also considered.

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Grasslands/Herbaceous Water Roads Woody Wetlands Grasslands

Standing Water

GIS Flowchart, Study 3 Land cover (GAP DATA)

Select Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Grasslands/ Herbaceous

Select Grasslands/ Herbaceous ≥ 5 acres

Grasslands/ Herbaceous ≥ 5 acres

Select Grasslands/ Herbaceous ≤ 8 acres

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 8 acres

Land cover (GAP DATA)

Select Water

Water

Roads

Select by location (within 50 ft.)

Select by location (within 50 feet)

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 8 acres within 50 ft of roads

Grasslands ≥ 5 acres and ≤ 8 acres within 50 ft of roads and 50 ft of water

GIS Map, Study 3 Study #3 combined information from both Study #1 and Study #2. In order to narrow down appropriate sites for this map, the area of Grasslands was revised and the proximity to Standing Water and Roads was added. Eventually this map pulled only six sites that would be most appropriate for the Northern Leopard Frog. # # # # # # # ## ## #

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Grasslands/Herbaceous Water Roads

Grasslands

Standing Water

Ground Truth Analysis # "

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Using aerial photography within a GIS map was one of the most interesting and informative ways of making decisions about pros and cons of each site generated by the program.

Ground truthing is important because it shows the current land use of the sites suggested by your research. This way, we can ensure that we are choosing a site that not only meets the criteria that was used in GIS but that we choose a site that makes sense in the context of the existing land.

In the first aerial photograph, the suggested site was located behind a school, which met one of the original goals, but because of the suburban surroundings, may not be the most suitable for the Northern Leopard Frog.

The second aerial photograph shows two suggested sites but because of the dense development on the west side and the large interstate, these sites didn’t make the most sense either.

Final Site Decision

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Grasslands/Herbaceous Water Roads Woody Wetlands

Miles 12

The final site decision was taken from Study #2 and incorporated all three of the Northern Leopard Frog’s ideal habitats. This site is also located away from any major development and looks to be in an undisturbed, natural area.

The top map shows the available Grasslands, Water, and Woody Wetlands. Based on these qualifications, this is the suggested site for the preservation of the Northern Leopard Frog.

Works Cited Bhattacharya, Deepamala. “Northern Leopard Frog.” Animal Spot. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Sept.

2014. <http://www.animalspot.net/northern-leopard-frog.html>.

Dewey, Tanya. “Critter Catalog.” BioKIDS. University of Michigan, n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Lithobates_pipiens/>.

Littlehales, Bates. “Northern Leopard Frogs.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 04 Sept. 2014. <http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/amphibians/northern-leopard-frog/>.

“Northern Leopard Frog.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 09 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 Sept.

2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_leopard_frog>.