Relative density of Bufo americanus and Rana clamitans melanota in the Plymouth Beach Canal and Burt Lake.

Abstract

Due to its interesting anthropogenic history, students from the University of Michigan Biological Station surveyed the Plymouth Beach Canal, a man-made waterway on Burt Lake, Michigan. The purpose of this survey was to analyze the human impact on the canal. Due to their importance as bioindicators, amphibians were collected in the canal and at different locations around Burt Lake. Species’ distributions give an indication of varying ecosystems because of specific vegetation and moisture level requirements for breeding. The relative density of amphibians between the canal, Maple Bay, Maple River, and Carp Creek – all sites in or near Burt Lake – was recorded. Bufo americanus was found only within the canal, and Rana clamitans melanota was absent from the canal, found only at sites on the lake. The canal is a specialized habitat, allowing for Bufo americanus to exist in the Burt Lake area.