Spotted Salamander Egg Mass Counts
Around the state vernal pools are unprotected vulnerable habitats which harbor some of the most interesting herp species in Virginia. As an effort to document where vernal pools are located and document baseline data on spotted salamander reproduction, the VHS would like to initiate a statewide spotted salamander egg mass count. We propose to make this an annual event and would like all members wherever they live to participate. Results of each member's survey will be published in Catesbeiana or the VHS newsletter to make a historical record for future herpetologists and interested people.
Who: Any one person or group of people.
Where: Anywhere you can find a breeding pond. Spotted salamanders will utilize road ruts, beaver ponds, ephemeral streams, swamps, and other bodies of water. Permission in writing should be requested before entering private property.
When: The timing of reproduction will differ in each physiographic province. The time span will range from February to April.
What: Information that should be gathered:
GPS coordinates of breeding pond and specific written directions. GPS coordinates can be acquired on many map websites on the internet ( Topozone.com , terraserver.com). County or City and Physiographic province should also be recorded. It is important to be very accurate and clear of the location.
Names of people involved in conducting the survey.
The largest number of egg masses counted. Date of the count when the most egg masses were counted.
Size and depth of breeding pool.
Brief description of the surrounding habitat.
If you survey the pool long enough in a given season, the dates of the laying of the first and last egg mass would provide interesting phenological data.
Other amphibian or reptile species found in the breeding pool. (not required)
Digital photos of the breeding pool and species found. (not required)
Any other information that you would find useful.
Why: To document baseline data on spotted salamander reproduction, to identify the locations of vernal pools, and to have fun herping in your area.
All survey write-ups should be emailed to Jason Gibson ( frogman31@gmail.com ). All surveys should be turned in by July 1 for inclusion in the fall publication. Jason will be responsible for formatting the data for publication. Any questions about this survey should be forwarded to Jason Gibson.
Herpetofaunal Counts
In an effort to give members around the state an excuse to get out herping, the VHS would like to begin the first annual herpetofaunal counts survey in Virginia. The Kansas Herpetological Society has been doing these for years and many of their members have enjoyed participating in these surveys. This count is very simple. Pick your favorite herping spot and go out in April, May, or June and find, count, and record every reptile and amphibian you can (no repeats). For some a 2 hour survey may be all you can do but for others you might want to conduct a 2 day survey. It is important that you follow all laws and get written permission before going onto private property. Written summaries should include: the people who participated, capture method(s), county or city, Physiographic province, GPS coordinates and specific written directions (GPS coordinates can be acquired on many map websites on the internet ( Topozone.com, terraserver.com ), date(s), weather conditions, species collected (scientific name and common name) and totals for each species collected. It is the hope of the VHS that you will make this a fun annual event. Your summary will be published with other summaries and will give baseline relative abundance information.
All survey write-ups should be emailed to Jason Gibson ( frogman31@gmail.com ). Jason will be responsible for formatting the data for publication. Any questions about this survey should be forwarded to Jason Gibson.
Sample Herp Count Submission
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY HERP COUNT
On May 7, 2006 Jason Gibson, Jennifer White, Paul Sattler, and Mark Gibson conducted a herpetofaunal count at White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area [UTM 18 S 031087, 4194781 (NAD83), 1.4 km W jct. U.S. Rt. 58 and U.S. Rt. 33, Pittsylvania County, Piedmont Physiographic Province]. Collecting methods included road cruising, overturning rocks, listening for calling anurans, and baited hoop turtle traps. Field work was conducted from 0900 (25oC) to 1300 (37oC). The herp count began with a light drizzle and ended in full sun. The following species were observed:
Ambystoma maculatum (spotted salamander) ..12
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) ..14
Terrapene Carolina (eastern box turtle) .6
Storeria dekayi (northern brownsnake) .15
Totals
4 species 47 animals
MARK GIBSON, 181 Frog Lane,
Snakeville Virginia 24542.