1. For further information please contact:
Dr. Glenn Johnson
Johnsong@potsdam.edu
Department of Biology, SUNY Potsdam
Chorus Frog Distribution and Land Use in St. Lawrence and
Jefferson Counties
Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris triseriata)
• Size: 3/4” to 1 1/2”
• Smooth greenish-gray to brown skin
• Three dark stripes down back
• Rasping, rising trill lasting 1-2 seconds
• Sounds like a fingernail running against a comb
Why Should We Be Concerned?
Chorus Frogs are indicator species, which
means they can be examined to determine the
health of the environment. A decline in Western
Chorus Frogs may mean that there is an overall
problem with the ecosystem.
Methods
During April and May of 2010, several students
conducted surveys of sites in Northern New York
pre-determined by the ten year Herptofauna Atlas
study that was done in the 1990s. At each site,
weather and habitat descriptions were recorded
as well as presence of Western Chorus Frogs by
audible trills.
This map shows Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties with boundaries and land use
classification according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The map also displays the
Chorus Frog data that was collected in Spring 2010 for the Herptofauna Atlas Project.
This map includes positive and negative sites
with a 1000 meter buffer around it. This is
a possible area of conservation for Western
Chorus Frogs, considering the land use with-
in each buffer.
Analysis and Future Plans
This information will be used to determine
possible habitats for Chorus Frogs. New
sites can be selected before visiting them.
Poster and Maps by Bianca Dygert
Environmental Studies Program
Fall 2010
St. Lawrence
Jefferson