
This presentation will review the amphibian diversity and biogeography in the Apostle Islands, and describe the park’s acoustic monitoring program.
The Apostles support 6 species of salamanders and 7-9 species of frogs. One species (Common Mudpuppy) is restricted to Lake Superior and its river mouths. Amphibian diversity on the islands is influenced by available habitat, island size, and colonization events.
Some species like Central Newt and Mink Frog are restricted to islands with lagoons. The distribution of Eastern Red-backed Salamander is particularly interesting in being absent from many islands with suitable habitat. The acoustic monitoring program was established in 2014 and is tracking phenology, occupancy and abundance metrics at 10 sites.
So far no significant trends have emerged but Cope’s Gray Treefrog and Northern Leopard Frog are the rarest species, and Boreal Chorus Frog remains unconfirmed.
Presenter biography
Gary Casper, Great Lakes Ecological Services

Gary Casper has been studying amphibians in the Lake Superior Basin for over 30 years.
He helped develop and continues to analyze data for the Apostle Islands amphibian monitoring program.
Gary has two university affiliations, is an editor for two scientific journals, and has an extensive publishing record. His latest book is a Field Guide to the Amphibian Eggs and Larvae of the Great Lakes.
To sample more sessions choose below

50 Years of Archeology at the Apostle Islands

A Retrospective – Research and Resource Management at Apostle Islands NL

A singing wilderness: Songbirds of the Apostle Islands

A Vulnerability Assessment for Terrestrial Ecosystems

American Martens on the Apostle Islands

Amphibians of the Apostle Islands

Apostle Islands Flora

Emerging Water Resource Issues in the Apostle Islands

Fifty Years of Cultural Resource Research at Apostle Islands NL

Gaylord Nelson: mover, shaker, deal-maker

Longitudinal Trends and Ecology of the Small Mammal Community

New Insights Into the Dynamics of Apostle Islands Carnivore Communities

Past, Present and Future of Fire in the Apostle Islands

Past, present and future of fisheries management in the Apostle Islands

Past, present, and future of piping plovers in the Apostle Islands

Resiliency and vulnerability of Apostle Islands coastal wetlands

Through the eyes of 4th graders

Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Under the surface and Zaaga’igan Ma’iinganag (lakewolves)
