Colonization of Restored Wetlands by Amphibians in Minnesota

Twelve wetlands (7 recently restored; 5 reference) in central and southern Minnesota were monitored during the 1998 breeding season to assess colonization of recently restored wetlands by amphibians, compare the amphibian fauna to that of reference wetlands and identify important factors influencing the probability of colonization. Eight amphibian species rapidly colonized recently restored wetlands and established breeding populations. Reference wetlands were inhabited by twelve species, including four not found in restored wetlands (Ambystoma laterale, Notophthalmus viridescens, Pseudacris crucifer and Rana clamitans). Most local habitat variables, such as water chemistry or aquatic vegetation cover, were not influential in determining species richness patterns in recently restored wetlands. Size and spatial isolation of restored wetlands, however, were important predictors of species richness. Habitat suitability also influenced the probability of colonization for some species. The results of this study indicate that restored wetlands are valuable habitat for at least a subset of the amphibian fauna of this region and that wetland size, isolation and habitat suitability all influence colonization success.