Grantee Research Project Results
The Effects of Harvest on the Pig Frog Rana Grylio from South Florida Wetlands
EPA Grant Number: U915797Title: The Effects of Harvest on the Pig Frog Rana Grylio from South Florida Wetlands
Investigators: Ugarte, Cristina A.
Institution: Florida International University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: August 1, 2000 through August 1, 2003
Project Amount: $79,971
RFA: Minority Academic Institutions (MAI) Fellowships for Graduate Environmental Study (2000) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Biology/Life Sciences , Academic Fellowships , Fellowship - Life Sciences
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to investigate the mercury contamination and population dynamics of the pig frog Rana grylio in south Florida wetlands. A size-class population-based simulation model will be constructed based on this information.
Approach:
The protection of this species in Everglades National Park provides an excellent opportunity to compare these populations with adjacent harvesting areas in the Water Conservation areas 3A and 3B. To compare mean abundance between areas, night surveys occur by airboat along pre-existing airboat trail. Fifteen 1-kilometer line transects will be sampled monthly. Catch per unit effort also is used as an index of abundance and provides information on the proportion of males, females, and juveniles. Capture-recapture techniques will be used as well. Monthly collections will be made to assess fecundity and diet.
Expected Results:
It is expected that there will be differences in size classes, sex ratios, and fecundity between populations that are harvested versus those that are protected.
Supplemental Keywords:
south Florida, the Everglades, Rana grylio, mercury, wetlands, harvest, capture, recapture., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Geographic Area, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, amphibians, State, Biochemistry, Ecology and Ecosystems, Mercury, frogs, biopollution, population decline, harvest, Rana grylio, amphibian bioindicatorProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.