Effects of Burning on Relative Abundances and Morphological Characteristics of Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea) in Texas

Abstract

Wildfires are natural phenomena that can impact native fauna by altering their habitats. In 2011, a large wildfire occurred in 2011 near Bastrop, Texas. Bastrop area is known for its famous Lost Pines region which is a house of many wildlife species including tree frogs. Unfortunately, much of its Lost Pines habitats was destroyed, as a result of wildfire, and will take years to recover. The objective of this study is to compare the relative abundances and morphological characteristics of green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) in burned areas with those in unburned areas near Bastrop to assess the effect of these fires on green tree frog populations in the area. I will analyze unpublished field data on green tree frogs provided by colleagues at Texas State University. I will test the null hypothesis of no difference in abundances of green tree frogs in burned versus unburned habitats; I expect more green tree frogs in unburned areas.