Survey Methods for Frog Abnormalities on National Wildlife Refuges

Target Audience:  

Biologists who are sampling wetlands to determine the percentage of abnormal-appearing frogs and toads, primarily at FWS National Wildlife Refuges.  

Summary and Objectives:  

The purpose of this training is to provide instruction on proper survey methods, handling techniques, and measuring and data gathering protocols. Principles described also have applications for more general amphibian surveys at any location. The manual provided describes the phenomena of frog malformations, contains standard procedures for malformed frog surveys, and provides equipment lists and typical field forms for data collection. In addition, the training includes the USGS Field Guide to Malformations of Frogs and Toads. The video demonstrates field survey, sample handling, and shipping techniques and describes use of the field forms provided in the manual.