Movement and habitat selection of the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) in southern California.

ABSTRACT: Agricultural activity, urban development and habitat alteration have caused the disappearance of the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii) from 80% of its geographic range in southern California. Despite the western spadefoot's continuing decline, little research has been conducted on its natural history. The home range of adult spadefoots is unknown, and their use of upland habitat is poorly understood. Both factors are important for the long-term conservation of the species because adult spadefoots spend the majority of their lives away from breeding pools in self-excavated burrows. Between January 2012 and January 2013, we surgically implanted radio transmitters in 15 spadefoots at two locations and recorded their movements and habitat use. The mean distance moved between burrow locations

SUBMITTER: Baumberger KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6776459 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature