Project T-42-R1

Project Title: Strategies for Recovery of an Amphibian and a Reptile Inhabiting Sand Areas in Mason and Tazewell Counties

Community and/or Species Focus: Illinois chorus frog, Illinois mud turtle

1. Create habitat suitability models for both species using existing data
2. Map suitable habitat in Mason and Tazewell Counties
3. Survey sites with suitable habitat and collect demographic data
4. Revise habitat models using data from occupied sites and additional GIS layers collected during field surveys
5. Model impact of management strategies at unoccupied but potentially suitable sites
6. Conduct genetic analysis
7. Conduct demographic analysis
8. Conduct a viability and sensitivity analysis

1. ​A habitat suitability model was not created for the Illinois mud turtle (IMT) due to low capture rates and encounters. Potential distribution for the IMT was determined through known localities and soil associations. A general map was designed for the Illinois chorus frog (ICF) using sites with known call localities and/or the collection of tissues.
2. Maps were created for each species showing species' localities and soil associations.
3. IMT trapping surveys were conducted over three field seasons with low capture results (50 captures over 6,055 trap nights). ICF call surveys were also conducted at over 50 sites throughout 5 counties. Blood (IMTs) and tissue (ICFs) samples were also collected.
4. Vegetation cover data was recorded at call sites for ICFs and radio-tracked locations of IMTs.
5. Performed a network analysis in order to describe landscape connectivity as a means of directing restoration efforts.
6. Due to its vulnerability of extirpation, conservation efforts are highly recommended for the IMT, which in turn, would also benefit the ICF.

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 5/1/07 - 1/30/10

Principle Investigator(s): Chris Phillips (Illinois Natural History Survey)