Date

Summer 2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis (Open Access)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Applied Environmental Science

Abstract

Amphibian populations are declining globally and habitat fragmentation is a major cause. Roads fragment the landscape around the Fort Ord National Monument, representing a threat to amphibian populations through direct mortality from strikes, noise and light pollution, and runoff of chemicals. We surveyed roads surrounding the Fort Ord National Monument in Monterey County, California to assess the effect of habitat cover, traffic intensity, and wetland proximity on the location and magnitude of amphibian road kill. Our surveys turned up at least seven of nine local amphibian species alive on roads, six of which were also found dead on roads. These species represent two different life history groups: pond-dependent and non pond-dependent. Most amphibian activity occurred within 2 km of wetland, and we found evidence that higher traffic intensities are depressing pond-dependent populations while non pond-dependent populations remain relatively unaffected. There are several geographic hotspots of on-road amphibian activity that we identified for future mitigation efforts.

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