Habitat Selection and Ontogenetic Shifts in Treefrogs (Family: Hylidae)

Few studies have concentrated on the life history characteristics of arboreal anurans away from breeding ponds, and sampling of these species is difficult due to their ability to evade visual detection and other traditional herpetological census techniques. This study utilizes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes to test for habitat selection of hylid treefrogs at the Natural Areas Teaching Lab in the University of Florida Campus (Gainesville, Florida). Variables such as habitat type, trap elevation, and PVC pipe diameter were used to test selection and ease of capture in relation to abundance, phylogeny, and ontogeny. A separate analysis sought to determine the prevalence of predation on native treefrog species by the exotic Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis). The findings of this study reveal that habitat type and elevation are the primary factors affecting the distribution and capture of hylid treefrogs. PVC pipe diameter and age-class have no significant effect on the location and distribution of treefrogs in this study. PVC pipe refugia are an effective means of sampling treefrog species, but should only be used when targeting select taxa. Results indicate that O. septentrionalis are preying upon on native treefrog species, and should be removed upon detection. The results of this study should be combined with similar work to develop appropriate criterion for sampling and conservation practices of hylid species.