Land‐use alters the form of larval density dependence to increase extinction risk in a grassland amphibian

An understanding of interactions between anthropogenic stressors and intrinsic population drivers is needed to fully understand wildlife declines. Density dependence a key aspect regulation for many species, especially species that have high reproductive potential, such as amphibians. However, patterns density been characterized only few little work has evaluated how density-dependent may be altered by stressors. We combined the results mesocosm experiment with demographic modeling investigate conversion native prairie agricultural grasslands dominated Tall Fescue grass (Lolium arundinacea) affected larval adult size an imperiled amphibian, Lithobates areolatus (Crawfish Frog). Overall, was overcompensatory, suggesting L. exhibits scramble competition larvae. Both vegetation treatments had low survival at densities, but more individuals survived metamorphosis moderate densities in compared Prairie treatments. implications our experimental using stochastic matrix model project long-term dynamics. Simulated populations breeding Fescue-dominated wetlands variable up 400% higher probability quasi-extinction within 200 years, ponds vegetation. Without varying mathematical models emergent dynamics, would suggested slightly positive effect on amphibian development survival. Vegetation changes surrounding might play important role decline persisting low-intensity areas.