Research

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13 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographically Isolated Wetlands as a Reserve for the Conservation of Amphibian Biodiversity at the Edge of Their Range

by Mihails Pupins, Oksana Nekrasova, Volodymyr Tytar, Alberts Garkajs, Iurii Petrov, Aleksandra Morozova, Kathrin Theissinger, Andris Čeirāns, Arturs Skute and Jean-Yves Georges

Diversity 2023, 15(3), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030461 - 21 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1224

Abstract

Wetlands are of great importance for biodiversity and nature conservation, especially geographically isolated wetlands (GIW). Yet literature about the ecological value of such GIW is missing, especially at the edge of the distribution of endangered species such as amphibians. In 2018 and 2022, [...] Read more.

Wetlands are of great importance for biodiversity and nature conservation, especially geographically isolated wetlands (GIW). Yet literature about the ecological value of such GIW is missing, especially at the edge of the distribution of endangered species such as amphibians. In 2018 and 2022, we monitored amphibian communities in 15 isolated (GIW) and 12 non-isolated (nGIW) ponds by counting individuals using three methods: (1) capturing with hand nets, (2) visual counting, and (3) capturing with fyke traps. The three methods provided similar results, showing the great importance of GIW for amphibians, especially newts, whose abundance was 5–13 times greater in GIW compared to nGIW. The largest numbers of species and individuals (adults and larvae) were found in isolated wetlands (GIW). In non-isolated water bodies (nGIW) where more than 10 individuals of the Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii, an alien invasive fish, were found, amphibians were not found at all. Importantly, between 2018 and 2022, the northern crested newt, T. cristatus, dramatically decreased in the nGIW. As a result of our work, it was revealed that the reconstruction of geographically isolated wetlands is very important for the conservation of amphibian biodiversity in a changing climate. One of the most effective measures aimed at protecting amphibians from negative factors—the spread of alien invasive fish species and diseases—is the reconstruction of wetlands in historically exploited landscapes with the creation of a wide range of water bodies yet broadly dominated by geographically isolated ponds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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19 pages, 2397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Drivers of Amphibian Breeding Phenology across Multiple Sites

by Michael F. Benard and Katherine R. Greenwald

Diversity 2023, 15(2), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020253 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2425

Abstract

A mechanistic understanding of phenology, the seasonal timing of life history events, is important for understanding species’ interactions and the potential responses of ecological communities to a rapidly changing climate. We present analysis of a seven-year dataset on the breeding phenology of wood [...] Read more.

A mechanistic understanding of phenology, the seasonal timing of life history events, is important for understanding species’ interactions and the potential responses of ecological communities to a rapidly changing climate. We present analysis of a seven-year dataset on the breeding phenology of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum), blue-spotted salamanders (Ambystoma laterale), and associated unisexual Ambystoma salamanders from six wetlands in Southeast Michigan, USA. We assess whether the ordinal date of breeding migrations varies among species, sexes, and individual wetlands, and we describe the specific environmental conditions associated with breeding migrations for each species/sex. Breeding date was significantly affected by species/sex identity, year, wetland, and the interactions between species/sex and year as well as wetland and year. There was a great deal of variation among years, with breeding occurring nearly synchronously among groups in some years but widely spaced between groups in other years. Specific environmental triggers for movement varied for each species and sex and changed as the breeding season progressed. In general, salamanders responded to longer temperature lags (more warmer days in a row) than wood frogs, whereas wood frogs required longer precipitation lags (more rainy days in a row) than salamanders. Wood frogs were more likely to migrate around the time of a new moon, whereas in contrast, Ambystoma salamander migration was not associated with a moon phase. Ordinal day was an important factor in all models, suggesting that these amphibians require a latency period or similar mechanism to avoid breeding too early in the year, even when weather conditions appear favorable. Male wood frogs migrated earlier than female wood frogs, and male blue-spotted salamanders migrated earlier than female A. laterale and associated unisexual females. Larger unisexual salamanders migrated earlier than smaller individuals. Differences in species’ responses to environmental cues led to wood frogs and A. laterale breeding later than tiger salamanders in colder years but not in warmer years. This suggests that, as the climate warms, wood frog and A. laterale larvae may experience less predation from tiger salamander larvae due to reduced size differences when they breed simultaneously. Our study is one of few to describe the proximate drivers of amphibian breeding migrations across multiple species, wetlands, and years, and it can inform models predicting how climate change may shift ecological interactions among pond-breeding amphibian species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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10 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amphibian Dispersal Traits Not Impacted by Triclopyr Exposure during the Juvenile Stage

by Adam J. McFall, Julie Ziemba, Scott M. Weir, Krista A. Capps and Stacey L. Lance

Diversity 2023, 15(2), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020215 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

Exposure to agrochemicals can have lethal and sublethal effects on amphibians. Most toxicology studies only examine exposure during the aquatic larval stage. Survival of the juvenile stage is the most important for population persistence and it is critical to understand the potential impacts [...] Read more.

Exposure to agrochemicals can have lethal and sublethal effects on amphibians. Most toxicology studies only examine exposure during the aquatic larval stage. Survival of the juvenile stage is the most important for population persistence and it is critical to understand the potential impacts of exposure during this life stage. We investigated how short-term exposure to triclopyr, an herbicide commonly used in forestry management, might impact several juvenile traits. To determine if juveniles perceived exposure as an environmental stressor, we measured their release of corticosterone. We also examined dispersal traits by measuring foraging and hopping behavior. We found no evidence that exposure negatively impacted these traits or was a stressor. Our results provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impact of triclopyr on juvenile amphibians, but we recommend additional research on the effects of agrochemicals on juvenile amphibians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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12 pages, 4461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Threat of an Invasive Fish Species for Two Native Newts Inhabiting Wetlands of Europe Vulnerable to Climate Change

by Mihails Pupins, Oksana Nekrasova, Oleksii Marushchak, Volodymyr Tytar, Kathrin Theissinger, Andris Čeirāns, Arturs Skute and Jean-Yves Georges

Diversity 2023, 15(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020201 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

In the modern world, when the problems of the environment are most acutely associated with climate change, amphibians are considered to be the most vulnerable group of anamniotes as an indicator of the state of wetlands. Along with a decrease of numbers among [...] Read more.

In the modern world, when the problems of the environment are most acutely associated with climate change, amphibians are considered to be the most vulnerable group of anamniotes as an indicator of the state of wetlands. Along with a decrease of numbers among amphibians in Europe, nowadays newts especially suffer from the impact of invasive species, in particular predators such as the Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii. This predatory fish species has recently spread to areas of primary relevance for newt reproduction. This fish consumes eggs, larvae, and even adult newt individuals. Using an ecological niche approach and climate based species distribution models (SDM), we applied the coefficient of determination (R²) for comparing the level of similarity of the built SDM for the newts Triturus cristatus and Lissotriton vulgaris, and the Chinese sleeper. We show that by 2050, the level of climatic niche similarity for these native and invasive species will increase from 12% to 22% throughout Europe, and from 44% to 66% in Eastern Europe. This study highlights the expansion of the Chinese sleeper as a real threat to European biodiversity of wetlands in the near future, especially in their most northeastern distribution range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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12 pages, 1288 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Population Subdivision in the Gopher Frog (Rana capito) across the Fragmented Longleaf Pine-Wiregrass Savanna of the Southeastern USA

by Thomas J. Devitt, Kevin M. Enge, Anna L. Farmer, Peter Beerli, Stephen C. Richter, Jeffrey G. Hall and Stacey L. Lance

Diversity 2023, 15(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15010093 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1965

Abstract

Delineating genetically distinct population segments of threatened species and quantifying population connectivity are important steps in developing effective conservation and management strategies aimed at preventing extinction. The gopher frog (Rana capito) is a xeric-adapted, pond-breeding species endemic to the Gulf and [...] Read more.

Delineating genetically distinct population segments of threatened species and quantifying population connectivity are important steps in developing effective conservation and management strategies aimed at preventing extinction. The gopher frog (Rana capito) is a xeric-adapted, pond-breeding species endemic to the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains of the southeastern United States. This species has experienced extensive habitat loss and fragmentation in the formerly widespread longleaf pine-wiregrass savanna where it lives, resulting in individual abundance declines and population extinctions throughout its range. We used individual-based clustering methods along with Bayesian inference of historical migration based on almost 1500 multilocus microsatellite genotypes to examine genetic structure in this taxon. Clustering analyses identified panhandle and peninsular populations in Florida as distinct genetic clusters separated by the Aucilla River, consistent with the division between the Coastal Plain and peninsular mitochondrial lineages, respectively. Analysis of historical migration indicated an east–west population divergence event followed by immigration to the east. Together, our results indicate that the genetically distinct Coastal Plain and peninsular Florida lineages should be considered separately for conservation and management purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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12 pages, 13247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Ecology and Nesting Site Characteristics of Four-Toed Salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum) in Natural and Constructed Upland-Embedded Wetlands on the Appalachian Plateau, Kentucky

by Susan K. King and Stephen C. Richter

Diversity 2022, 14(11), 995; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14110995 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1285

Abstract

Many forested freshwater wetlands have been altered or destroyed, and wetlands are constructed to offset loss. However, they do not always replace the function of natural wetlands. It is important to understand how features of the habitat differ between types of wetlands and [...] Read more.

Many forested freshwater wetlands have been altered or destroyed, and wetlands are constructed to offset loss. However, they do not always replace the function of natural wetlands. It is important to understand how features of the habitat differ between types of wetlands and whether constructed wetlands provide an adequate habitat for species adapted to natural wetlands. Our objectives were to measure the characteristics of Four-toed Salamanders’ nesting habitat and determine which factors contribute to the abundance of eggs and nests in natural and constructed upland-embedded wetlands within a ridgetop ecosystem in eastern Kentucky. We located and examined characteristics for 207 nests in twelve wetlands and measured variables at the nest level and at the wetland level. The best predictor of the number of eggs and number of nests was amount of moss at the wetland. These measures of reproductive effort were similar between types of wetlands, but the number of eggs per nest was higher in constructed wetlands and inversely related to amount of moss, highlighting a deficit in nesting habitat. Research of embryonic and larval survival is needed but based on data from other amphibian species in this system, we predict that the survival of Four-toed Salamanders’ larvae is low in constructed wetlands with permanent hydrology. Restoration of constructed wetlands should address the need for moss as nesting substrate and drying of the wetland to reduce the abundance and diversity of predators of larvae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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19 pages, 8680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Where Land and Water Meet: Making Amphibian Breeding Sites Attractive for Amphibians

by Océane Siffert, Jérôme Pellet, Petra Ramseier, Ursina Tobler, Ariel Bergamini and Benedikt R. Schmidt

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100834 - 04 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

The protection of wetlands is a cornerstone in the conservation of pond-breeding amphibians. Because protected wetlands are rarely natural areas, but are often man-made, at least in Europe, it is important that they are well managed to fulfill their intended function. Appropriate management [...] Read more.

The protection of wetlands is a cornerstone in the conservation of pond-breeding amphibians. Because protected wetlands are rarely natural areas, but are often man-made, at least in Europe, it is important that they are well managed to fulfill their intended function. Appropriate management requires knowledge of the ecology of the species, particularly habitat requirements. Here, we combine species monitoring data and habitat mapping data in an analysis where our goal was to describe the factors that determine the occupancy of amphibian species in federally protected amphibian breeding sites. As expected, every species had its own habitat requirements, often a combination of both a terrestrial and aquatic habitat (i.e., landscape complementation). In most species, occupancy was strongly positively affected with the amount of aquatic habitat, but predicted occupancy probabilities were low because the amount of aquatic habitat was low in most sites. The area or proportion of ruderal vegetation also had positive effects on multiple species, while other types of terrestrial habitat (e.g., meadows) led to low occupancy probabilities. The total area of the protected breeding sites was never included in a final model and connectivity was important only for one species (Triturus cristatus). The latter finding implies that the quality of the landscape between breeding sizes is more important than distance per se, while the former implies that the area of some specific habitats within breeding sites is crucial for high occupancies. Thus, increasing the amount of aquatic habitats and likewise terrestrial habitats within protected areas would make them more likely to achieve their conservation objectives. Our study is an example of how the joint analysis of monitoring data and habitat data (based on mapping in the field) can lead to evidence-based suggestions on how to improve conservation practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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12 pages, 1075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Genetic and Field-Based Estimates of Population Connectivity in Marbled Salamanders, Ambystoma opacum

by Karine E. Posbic-Leydet, Kelsey L. Glennon, Jolene T. Fisher, Don R. Church and Sheri A. Church

Diversity 2022, 14(7), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070524 - 29 Jun 2022

Viewed by 1543

Abstract

Estimating connectivity is key for maintaining population viability for pond-breeding amphibians, especially in areas where habitat alterations occur. Here, we used genetic data (microsatellites) to estimate connectivity of marbled salamanders, Ambystoma opacum, among three focal ponds and compared it to field data [...] Read more.

Estimating connectivity is key for maintaining population viability for pond-breeding amphibians, especially in areas where habitat alterations occur. Here, we used genetic data (microsatellites) to estimate connectivity of marbled salamanders, Ambystoma opacum, among three focal ponds and compared it to field data (capture-mark-recapture estimates) of movement among the same ponds. In addition, we derived least-cost dispersal paths from genetic data and compared them to field connectivity estimates. We found that genetic and field estimates of dispersal were generally congruent, but field-based paths were more complex than genetic-based paths. While both methods complement each other in identifying important source-sink metapopulation dynamics to inform efficient conservation management plans, field data provide a more biologically accurate understanding of the spatial movement of individual marbled salamanders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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27 pages, 7511 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Salamander Demography at Isolated Wetlands within Mature and Regenerating Forests

by Don R. Church, Larissa L. Bailey, Henry M. Wilbur, James H. Green and Lex Hiby

Diversity 2022, 14(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050309 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3142

Abstract

Geographically isolated wetland and surrounding landscape features affect the ecology and life history of amphibian species. We used multistate mark recapture methods and data from over 30,000 captures of adult Ambystoma opacum to explore how survival, breeding, and movement probabilities differed among wetlands [...] Read more.

Geographically isolated wetland and surrounding landscape features affect the ecology and life history of amphibian species. We used multistate mark recapture methods and data from over 30,000 captures of adult Ambystoma opacum to explore how survival, breeding, and movement probabilities differed among wetlands surrounded by regenerating 20-year-old clearcuts and mature 100-year-old forest stands. Survival varied among ponds and years but did not differ between regenerating and mature forest habitats. Both sexes at all ponds incurred dramatic mortality during the non-breeding season of a drought year (2001–2002). Females that skipped one or more breeding opportunities had higher breeding probabilities the following year than did successive breeders. Females exiting into regenerating forests had lower breeding probabilities at two of the three ponds. Breeding salamanders tended to make local movements from regenerating to mature forests, particularly when exiting the pond basin. Landscape movements between ponds were generally low, with few individuals moving from mature to regenerating forest habitats. We conclude that clearcuts continue to negatively impact some demographic parameters of salamanders 20 years post-cutting, but other environmental factors may mitigate these effects, and that populations are probably capable of complete recovery, particularly if some mature forest is retained. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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17 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amphibian Biomass Export from Geographically Isolated Wetlands: Temporal Variability, Species Composition, and Potential Implications for Terrestrial Ecosystems

by Julia E. Earl, Sean M. Blomquist, Elizabeth B. Harper, Daniel J. Hocking, Malcolm L. Hunter, Jr., Jarrett R. Johnson, Michael S. Osbourn, David A. Patrick, Viorel D. Popescu, Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse and Betsie B. Rothermel

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030163 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2659

Abstract

Recently metamorphosed amphibians transport substantial biomass and nutrients from wetlands to terrestrial ecosystems. Previous estimates (except 1) were limited to either a subset of the community or a single year. Our goal was to examine temporal variability in biomass export of all amphibians [...] Read more.

Recently metamorphosed amphibians transport substantial biomass and nutrients from wetlands to terrestrial ecosystems. Previous estimates (except 1) were limited to either a subset of the community or a single year. Our goal was to examine temporal variability in biomass export of all amphibians within breeding ponds and the composition of that export. We completely encircled ponds with drift fences to capture, count, and weigh emerging recently metamorphosed individuals in Maine (four wetlands, six years) and Missouri (eight wetlands, 2–4 years). We estimated total amphibian biomass export, export scaled by pond surface area, species diversity, and percentage of biomass from anurans. Biomass export and export composition varied greatly among ponds and years. Our estimates were of similar magnitude to previous studies. Amphibian biomass export was higher when species diversity was low and the proportion of anurans was higher. Biomass estimates tended to be highest for juvenile cohorts dominated by a single ranid species: green frogs (Missouri) or wood frogs (Maine). Ranid frogs made up a substantial proportion of amphibian biomass export, suggesting that terrestrial impacts will likely occur in the leaf litter of forests. Future studies should examine the impacts of ranid juveniles on terrestrial ecosystem dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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19 pages, 7571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recruitment Patterns and Potential Climate Change Impacts on Three Florida Hylids with Different Life Histories

by Sky T. Button, Cathryn H. Greenberg and James D. Austin

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020129 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2303

Abstract

Altered weather patterns associated with climate change are likely to adversely affect amphibian recruitment, especially for species dependent on ephemeral, geographically isolated wetlands for breeding. Future changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could affect hydroregimes (periodicity, depth, duration, and timing of water in [...] Read more.

Altered weather patterns associated with climate change are likely to adversely affect amphibian recruitment, especially for species dependent on ephemeral, geographically isolated wetlands for breeding. Future changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could affect hydroregimes (periodicity, depth, duration, and timing of water in wetlands) or adult breeding effort. We used 24 years of continuous amphibian trapping, weather, and hydroregime data to identify breeding-to-metamorphosis periods (BMPs) and environmental factors affecting annual recruitment by three hylid species at eight isolated ephemeral limesink ponds in Florida longleaf-wiregrass sandhills. We used standardized climate metrics (Bioclim variables) to predict future precipitation, temperature and hydroregime variables, then used them to predict future recruitment in 2050 and 2070 under two emissions scenarios. We hypothesized that Hyla gratiosa would be more sensitive to short-term pond drying than H. femoralis or H. squirella due to its lower abundance and more specific habitat requirements. Hyla gratiosa recruitment was not explained by adult breeding effort and was more dependent on higher water levels during BMPs than for H. femoralis or H. squirella, independent of rainfall. In contrast, H. femoralis and H. squirella recruitment depended heavily on rainfall independent of pond depth and was positively associated with adult breeding effort. Models predicted moderate decreases in H. gratiosa and H. squirella recruitment by 2050 but projections were highly uncertain for all three species by 2070. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining wetlands with diverse hydroregimes to accommodate species with different BMPs and hydroregime requirements. Proactive monitoring and conservation measures such as headstarting and creating artificial ponds may be necessary for these and other amphibian species that may suffer reduced recruitment under future climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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17 pages, 7491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Patterns of Amphibian Diversity, Abundance and Nutrient Export from Small, Isolated Wetlands

by Carla L. Atkinson, Daniel D. Knapp and Lora L. Smith

Diversity 2021, 13(11), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110598 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2124

Abstract

Seasonally inundated wetlands contribute to biodiversity support and ecosystem function at the landscape scale. These temporally dynamic ecosystems contain unique assemblages of animals adapted to cyclically wet–dry habitats. As a result of the high variation in environmental conditions, wetlands serve as hotspots for [...] Read more.

Seasonally inundated wetlands contribute to biodiversity support and ecosystem function at the landscape scale. These temporally dynamic ecosystems contain unique assemblages of animals adapted to cyclically wet–dry habitats. As a result of the high variation in environmental conditions, wetlands serve as hotspots for animal movement and potentially hotspots of biogeochemical activity and migratory transport of nutrient subsidies. Most amphibians are semi-aquatic and migrate between isolated wetlands and the surrounding terrestrial system to complete their life cycle, with rainfall and other environmental factors affecting the timing and magnitude of wetland export of juveniles. Here we used a long-term drift fence study coupled with system-specific nutrient content data of amphibians from two small wetlands in southeastern Georgia, USA. We couple environmental data with count data of juveniles exiting wetlands to explore the controls of amphibian diversity, production and export and the amphibian life-history traits associated with export over varying environmental conditions. Our results highlight the high degree of spatial and temporal variability in amphibian flux with hydroperiod length and temperature driving community composition and overall biomass and nutrient fluxes. Additionally, specific life-history traits, such as development time and body size, were associated with longer hydroperiods. Our findings underscore the key role of small, isolated wetlands and their hydroperiod characteristics in maintaining amphibian productivity and community dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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Review

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19 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Restoration of Geographically Isolated Wetlands: An Amphibian-Centric Review of Methods and Effectiveness

by Angela K. Burrow and Stacey Lance

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100879 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

Geographically isolated wetlands provide a critical habitat for pond-breeding amphibians, a taxa of broad conservation concern. Global wetland loss and degradation has made restoration essential for amphibian conservation. Restoration goals typically include recovering the wetlands’ physiochemical, hydrological, and ecological functions. However, for pond-breeding [...] Read more.

Geographically isolated wetlands provide a critical habitat for pond-breeding amphibians, a taxa of broad conservation concern. Global wetland loss and degradation has made restoration essential for amphibian conservation. Restoration goals typically include recovering the wetlands’ physiochemical, hydrological, and ecological functions. However, for pond-breeding amphibians, successful restoration should also result in sustained populations, which is difficult to assess and infrequently reported. In this paper, we review the available evidence that restoration of geographically isolated wetlands promotes pond-breeding amphibian occupancy and population persistence. We provide an overview of restoration practices addressing hydrology, vegetation, and ecological processes within these unique environments and across spatial scales. We then summarize the evidence, and discuss the limitations, for evaluating successful restoration within the context of amphibian conservation across these categories. Finally, we provide recommendations for researchers and practitioners to leverage prior successes and establish systematic data collection and dissemination. Moving restoration of wetlands for amphibian conservation forward will require more robust data collection and reporting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Amphibian Ecology in Geographically Isolated Wetlands)

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