Conservation management implications of substrate choice in recently metamorphosed American toads (Bufo americanus)

Abstract

We experimentally examined the choice of three substrate types by American toad (Bufo americanus) metamorphs. Metamorphs clearly preferred deciduous leaf litter over coniferous leaf litter and bare soil, and coniferous leaf litter over bare soil. These results emphasize that modification of terrestrial habitats surrounding breeding ponds can impact anuran behavior and populations.