Inventory of the amphibians and reptiles of Biscayne National Park

Rice, Kenneth; Waddle, Hardin; Dove, Amber; Crockett, Marquette

Sampling for amphibians and reptiles in Biscayne National Park (BISC) began on May 2, 2002. As of September 30, 2002 a total of22 sites have been surveyed during a total of 44 sampling occasions. At each sampling occasion a 20m radius circular plot was searched using standard visual encounter survey (VES) techniques, and a 1 0-minute vocalization survey was conducted to detect calling anurans (frogs and toads). We have observed 26 individuals of 10 species during VES surveys (Table 1) and we have detected seven species of anurans by vocalizations (Table 2). We have established 16 permanent inventory sites that are sampled on a monthly basis in BISC (Table 3). The locations ofthese sites were chosen randomly, within habitat stratification. Four of these sites (two in scrub habitat and two in mangrove habitat) are in the mainland portion of the park. Eight monthly sampled sites (three in scrub habitat, two in prairie habitat, and three in mangrove habitat) are on Elliott Key, the largest island in BISC. There are two monthly sites (one in mangrove habitat and one in hammock) on both Sands Key and Boca Chita Key. In addition to the 16 monthly sites, we have also conducted surveys at six other random sites. These have all been in scrub and mangrove habitat sites on the mainland and on Elliott Key. Our goal is to continue to add random sites until all habitats on islands and the mainland have been surveyed.