Riparian: Riparian Corridors for Amphibians
Recent studies indicate a global decline of many amphibian species. Maxcy (1997) states that in the Pacific Northwest, forest harvesting causes the principle threat to amphibians. She also lists various other reasoning for amphibian population decline including habitat destruction, introduction of predators and competitors, pathogens, increased UV-radiation, acid precipitation, pollution from pesticides and global warming. Correlative studies report lower densities of amphibians in clear-cut areas compared to matured forests. Although there are no riparian forest width specifications in Maxcy's research, a greater width would decrease the impact of UV-radiation and an increase in predator and competitor populations in the riparian area. Pesticide pollution can also be reduced at greater amounts depending on the width of the riparian buffer zone; a greater width would allow for the minimization of the impact of pesticide pollution as runoff approaches a stream or river.

Amphibians' life cycles depend on the optimal habitat provided by riparian areas, which include lower temperatures and greater humidity. Because amphibian eggs do not have shells, their eggs are laid in water or moist ground where the moisture will maintain the protective jelly-like coating on the eggs. In their larval state, amphibians remain in the water and breathe through gills. As amphibians change from their larval state into adults through a process called metamorphosis, most amphibians will exchange their gills for lungs and become land dwelling. The tailed frog may remain in the stream for one to five years until it reaches maturity. In the winter, it ventures into the forest for shelter, but in the summer the tailed frog hides under rocks in streams. This species may live up to sixteen years. Throughout their lives, amphibians eat insects and their larvae, which are plentiful in riparian areas. Almost all amphibians return to the water to find mates and produce their young.
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© 2008 Oxbow River & Stream Restoration, Inc. Last updated July-2008.