SREL Reprint #3729

Restoration of geographically isolated wetlands: An amphibian-centric review of methods and effectiveness

Angela K. Burrow1 and Stacey Lance2

1Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

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 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.

Keywords: pond; vernal pool; Carolina bay; prairie pothole; flatwoods; frog; tadpole; salamander; newt; habitat

SREL Reprint #3729

Burrow, A. K., and S. Lance. 2022. Restoration of geographically isolated wetlands: An amphibian-centric review of methods and effectiveness. Diversity 14: 879.

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