Representation of
Wood Frog breeding locations at Saratoga National Historic Park
Dana Tricarico
Siena College
Loudonville, NY 12211
February 26, 2013
Introduction
The Wood Frog is a type of common frog
is between one and three inches long. Its color ranges from pinkish-brown, tan,
to dark brown but is most easily recognized by its “mask” which stretches past
both eyes to the eardrum. This frog species is found in the woods, both by
water and far from the water in 31 states and 13 Canadian Provinces (PSPU).
They are also one of the first species of frogs to breed in early Spring
(fcps). Typically, Wood Frogs utilize the water woodlands by using vernal pools
formed by spring rains and snow melt as breeding pools, then spend their active
season typically away from standing water (PSU).
Once breeding season comes, adult wood
frogs move to the breeding pools, which are mainly favored due to the fact that
there are not fish or egg. However, these pools are subjected to unpredictable
aspects such as weather conditions (PSU). Wood Frogs, as well as all other
amphibians are forced to deal with ecological pressures associated with human activities
(PSU). The Loss of habitat and breeding pools due to factors such as deforestation
and road building as well as forms of air pollution also contaminate breeding
pools and can cause serious damage to not only adult frogs but also their eggs
embryos and tadpoles (PSU). Because of these specific factors to the
fluctuating numbers of Wood Frogs, it will be important to include areas
throughout the Saratoga Battlefield such as roads, wetlands and forests. By
looking at both abiotic and biotic variables it may help to determine a
relationship between those as well as Wood Frog breeding populations overtime.
Objectives
• Learn how to
correctly add layers onto data given to me from Dr. Kolosvary
• Developing a model to
help predict the relationships of wood frog breeding fluctuations and outside factors
• Learning
how to make a comprehensive, professional GIS map
Methodology
The GIS analysis will use techniques to
create a predictive model for Wood Frog Breeding populations and abiotic and
biotic factors that can be determined by creating appropriate data layers.
These data layers will include road, wetlands, forest and whatever else may be
a factor on the Saratoga Battlefield that may be creating the fluctuations of
wood frog breeding populations. These data layers will be included, along with
the main piece of information consisting of a map of the breeding pools at the
park as well as point coverage of study locations and the populations
themselves, based on GPS locations recorded last year.
The information being used will be
accumulated by Alexandra Natale, an undergraduate at Siena College, but will
also include a long-term dataset. This dataset will encompass wood frog clutch
size at breeding pools at Saratoga National Historica Park, from 2003 until the
present research this spring.
Data Sources
•
GPS
coordinates for wood frog populations
•
NYS GIS
Clearinghouse
•
GPS
shapefiles for wetlands, roadways and forested areas
Work Plan
Week of March 5 Meet
with Dr. Kolosvary and obtain
source information for GPS coordinates,
as well as shapefiles of the Saratoga Battlefield.
Week of March 12 Begin
working on the map. Add coordinate points as well as layers given.
Week of March 19 Continue
to work on the map, adding whatever other shapefiles
And
data layers necessary for a cohesive map.
Week of April 2 Adjust
the symbology of each data layer to make sure each makes
Sense
for the context of the research being done.
Week of April 9 Begin
editing the rough draft. Make the layout format look
Presentable.
Week of April 16 Turn
in a finished rough draft to Dr. Kolosvary
Week of April 23 Use
the edits to make the final touches on the map
Week of April 30 Have
a finished draft of the map due
Works Cited
