SREL Reprint #2411

Amphibians and reptiles of the Shenandoah Valley sinkhole pond system in Virginia

Joseph C. Mitchell1 and Kurt A. Buhlmann2

1Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia 23173
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E,Aiken, South Carolina 29802

Introduction: Seasonal ponds are used extensively for breeding and larval development and as foraging habitat by amphibians and reptiles. Complexes of ponds or freshwater wetlands free of fish are critical habitats for some species in eastern North America. Ephemeral or vernal pools, such as those created by sinkhole pond formation, offer a dynamic habitat for these animals because of variation in hydrological regimes and timing of water gain or loss. However, levels of herpetofaunal diversity and population dynamics in local regions are tied directly to the dynamics of these habitats. Landscape features such as temporary breeding ponds have been called keystone habitats because they can determine species presence or absence (Primack, 1998).

SREL Reprint #2411

Mitchell, J.C. and K.A. Buhlmann. 1999. Amphibians and reptiles of the Shenandoah Valley sinkhole pond system in Virginia. Banisteria 13:129-142.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).