Use of PVC Pipes of Different Diameters as Artificial Refuges by Green Tree Frogs (Hyla cinerea) in Texas

Abstract

With the sharp decline in amphibian populations worldwide, it is becoming increasingly important to evaluate use of artificial refuges by amphibian species. The objective of this study is to evaluate PVC pipes as artificial refuges for green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea) in Texas. This method has been widely used in the southeast US, but only rarely in Texas. I will analyze unpublished field data on green tree frogs provided by colleagues at Texas State University and assess possible differences in use of PVC pipes of different diameters (1.5-inch versus 2.0-inch diameters). Based on the data collected by Texas State University, green tree frogs do utilize PVC pipes as artificial refuges. Moreover, they do not show preference in either 1.5-inch (46.5% of captures) or 2-inch (53.5% of captures) diameter pipes. In addition, 64.3% of captures were juveniles, more of which were captured around the pond perimeter, suggesting that PVC pipes might serve as protection for juveniles post-emergence.