REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF THE NEWPORT CHEMICAL DEPOT, VERMILLION COUNTY, INDIANA.ABSTRACT: A survey of the distribution and abundance of amphibians amphibians members of the animal class Amphibia. Includes frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and cecilians all capable of living on land or in water. and reptiles was conducted at the Newport Chemical Depot The Newport Chemical Depot is a bulk chemical storage and destruction facility in west central Indiana, thirty miles north of Terre Haute operated by the United States Army. The total area of the depot is 7,098 acres (28. in northern Ver million County, Indiana. Based on trapping, hand-collecting, observation, and anuran breeding call surveys, thirty species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded at the depot to date. We observed 15 species of amphibians and 15 species of reptiles. The most common amphibians in approximate order of decreasing abundance were: the spring peeper spring peeper: see tree frog. spring peeper Species (Hyla crucifer) of tree frog found in ponds, marshes, and other damp areas in the U.S. During the breeding season it can be found in woodland ponds; at other times it is seldom seen. (Pseudacris crucifer), western chorus frog The Western Chorus Frog or Striped Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata) is a species of tree frog found in Canada and the United States. From southern Quebec to South Dakota, and south to Kansas and Oklahoma. Description Western Chorus Frogs are small (1. (Pseudacris triseriata), American toad (Bufo americanus), Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousii Woodhouse's Toad, Bufo woodhousii The Woodhouse's Toad is a fairly large toad attaining lengths greater than 4 inches. Above is a female and a calling male from Theodore Roosevelt N.P. in North Dakota. ), green frog green frog Rana clamitans. (Rana clamitans), small-mouth salamander salamander, an amphibian of the order Urodela, or Caudata. Salamanders have tails and small, weak limbs; superficially they resemble the unrelated lizards (which are reptiles), but they are easily distinguished by their lack of scales and claws, and by their moist, (Ambystoma texanum The Smallmouth Salamander (Ambystoma texanum) is a species of salamander found in the central United States, from the Great Lakes region in Michigan to Nebraska, south to Texas, and east to Tennessee, with a population in Canada, in Pelee, Ontario. ), and pickerel pickerel: see pike. pickerel Any of several North American pikes (family Esocidae), distinguished from the northern pike and muskellunge by their smaller size, completely scaled cheeks and gill covers, and banded or chainlike markings. frog (Rana palustris). The most common reptiles in order of decreasing abundance were: the northern water snake The Northern Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon, is a large, well-known snake in the Colubridae family that is native to North America. They are active during the day and at night. They are most often seen basking on rocks, stumps, or brush. (Nerodea sipedon), eastern box turtle box turtle, hard-shelled land turtle of the genus Terrapene, native to North America. Its lower shell, or plastron, has a hinge dividing it into front and rear sections; the animal can raise these sections to meet the upper shell, or carapace, forming a secure (Terrapene carolina Terrapene carolina is a species of box turtle which consists of six subspecies. They are found throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. The box turtle has an olive colored shell with yellow spots on its neck. ), snapping turtle snapping turtle, large, aggressive New World freshwater turtle. The two snapping turtle species are the sole members of the family Chelydridae. Snapping turtles prefer quiet, muddy water. They spend most of their time submerged, surfacing periodically to breathe. (Chelydra serpentina), and black rat black rat see black rat. snake (Elaphe obsoleta). No federal or state listed species have been observed at the Newport Chemical Depot to date. The depot has a variety of habitats and is rich in wildlife species. We recommend that the natural areas of the depot be protected when the facility ends operations in the near future. KEYWORDS: Amphibian amphibian, in zoology amphibian, in zoology, cold-blooded vertebrate animal of the class Amphibia. There are three living orders of amphibians: the frogs and toads (order Anura, or Salientia), the salamanders and newts (order Urodela, or Caudata), and the , Newport Chemical Depot, reptile, Vermillion County, Indiana Vermillion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2000, the population is 16,788. The county seat is Newport6. It is included in the Terre Haute, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area. . INTRODUCTION The Newport Chemical Depot (formerly the Newport Army Ammunition Plant) in northern Vermillion County, Indiana, once produced military munitions mu·ni·tion n. War materiel, especially weapons and ammunition. Often used in the plural. tr.v. mu·ni·tioned, mu·ni·tion·ing, mu·ni·tions To supply with munitions. , but the depot currently functions solely as a storage facility for VX nerve agent Noun 1. nerve agent - a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system nerve gas agent - a substance that exerts some force or effect . The stockpiled nerve agent is to be disposed of by neutralization neutralization, chemical reaction, according to the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases, in which a water solution of acid is mixed with a water solution of base to form a salt and water; this reaction is complete only if the resulting solution has neither acidic nor by 2007 in accordance with the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Treaty. The Indiana Academy of Science's Committee on Biodiversity and Conservation and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Technical Advisory Committee on Mammals have recommended that natural areas in Indiana be surveyed to record their biotic biotic /bi·ot·ic/ (bi-ot´ik) 1. pertaining to life or living matter. 2. pertaining to the biota. bi·ot·ic adj. 1. Relating to life or living organisms. diversity. Furthermore, the Department of Defense has directed that areas under its control be surveyed, especially for at-risk species. This study as well as our other studies on mammals and fishes (this issue) and the study of Chandler and Weiss (1996) on birds meet this objective. In an earlier survey, Pinkham, et al. (1976) recorded seven species of amphibians and one species of reptile at the Newport Chemical Depot (Table 1). Jackson and Whitaker (1987) and Whitaker (1994) listed the species of reptiles and amphibians likely to occur in the area. Nine species were regarded as potentially present, four state endangered and five state special concern species, respectively: the northern crawfish frog The Crawfish Frog (Lithobates areolatus[1][2], previously Rana areolata) is a species of aquatic frog native to the central United States. It gets its name because crayfish are its primary diet, and it inhabits crayfish burrows. (Rana areolata), four-toed salamander The Four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) is native to North America. It is a member of the Plethodontidae family of salamanders, which is characterized by their absence of lungs; they instead achieve respiration through their skin and the tissues lining their (Hemidactylium scutatum), eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum), Kirtland's snake (Clonophis kirtlandii), northern leopard frog The Northern Leopard Frog(Lithobates pipiens[1][2], previously Rana pipiens) is a species of Leopard frog from the true frog family native to parts of Canada and United States. It is the State Amphibian of Minnesota and Vermont. (Rana pipiens), plains leopard frog The Plains Leopard Frog (Lithobates blairi [1][2], previously Rana blairi) is a species of mostly aquatic frog native to the United States. (Rana blairi), mudpuppy mud·puppy also mud pup·py n. pl. mud·pup·pies 1. Any of several large North American salamanders of the genus Necturus, especially N. (Necturus maculosus), western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus), and rough green snake Noun 1. rough green snake - of southern and eastern United States Opheodrys aestivus green snake, grass snake - either of two North American chiefly insectivorous snakes that are green in color (Opheodrys aestivus Noun 1. Opheodrys aestivus - of southern and eastern United States rough green snake green snake, grass snake - either of two North American chiefly insectivorous snakes that are green in color ). We undertook the present study to assess the distribution and abundance of reptiles and amphibians at the depot. The information contained in this study will be useful when making land management recommendations upon closing the site. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA The Newport Chemical Depot (Figure 1) is located on the Tipton Till Plain. Due to the Illiniosan and Wisconsinan glaciations (Jackson and Whitaker, 1987), the area is mainly flat although the land does slope to the north toward the Little Vermillion River Vermilion River or Vermillion River is the name of several rivers: In Canada
River, flowing westward across Indiana, U.S. After crossing Indiana, the Wabash forms the 200-mi (320-km) southern section of the Indiana-Illinois boundary below Terre Haute, Ind. . The plant encompasses 2,874 ha, the majority of which are enclosed within a security fence. Half of the acreage consists of cultivated fields of corn and soybeans; two thirds of the remainder represents forest and riparian riparian adj. referring to the banks of a river or stream. (See: riparian rights) habitats; and the last third includes developed areas, grasslands, brushy fields, and small marshes. The habitats surrounding the depot consist primarily of additional agricultural fields as well as wooded areas bordering local rivers and creeks. Four streams are found on depot property (Figure 1). Little Vermillion Creek is located in the north-central portion of the plant and flows to the north before emptying into the Little Vermillion River. Little Vermillion Creek flows most of the spring but, except for isolated pools, dries by the end of July. Little Raccoon Creek Raccoon Creek may refer to:
Old-field habitat consists of abandoned agricultural areas in later succession dominated by tree seedlings, shrubs, and vines. The most common plant species are planted larches, maples, and pine as well as mutliflora rose, poison ivy poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, woody vines and trailing or erect shrubs of the family Anacardiaceae (sumac family), native to North America. , and various grasses and sedges. Woodland habitat is located primarily along the creeks. The woodland in the north-central sector is dominated by oak and hickory and, in the central, southern, and southeastern sectors, by sugar maple sugar maple: see maple. , ash, tulip tree tulip tree: see magnolia. tulip tree or tulip poplar or yellow poplar Lofty North American ornamental and timber tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) of the magnolia family, not related to true poplars. , basswood basswood: see linden. basswood Any of certain species of linden common to North America. The name refers especially to Tilia americana, found in a vast area of eastern North America but centred in the Great Lakes region, and to T. caroliniana and T. , beech, and elm (Jackson and Whitaker, 1987). Marsh areas are found in the south-central portion of the plant around the 6200 holding and beaver ponds (Figure 1). Only the beaver pond retains water throughout the year. Dominant plants in these areas are willows, rushes, and occasional silver maples. MATERIALS AND METHODS Most collections were made inside the depot's fenced boundary, primarily in areas around water sources where amphibians and reptiles should be most prevalent (Figure 1). Data from 1993-1994 (Whitaker, 1994) and 1998 were combined for this report. In 1998, approximately 20 hours were devoted to turning over logs and stones along creeks and in the woods to search for salamanders. Eight hand collecting trips were made: two at Little Vermillion Creek, two at Little Raccoon Creek, and one at the unnamed creek, beaver pond, cattle pond, and each of the ephemeral ponds. These collections were made after rains during the spring and summer. Minnow minnow, common name for the Cyprinidae, a large family of freshwater fish which includes the carp (Cyprinus carpio), and of which there are some 300 American species. The European minnow is Phoxinus phoxinus. traps were used at 9 sites (total trapnights = 696; Figure 1) in 1998 to collect animals from small ponds and slow-running streams: Site 1, the cattle pond (six traps from 7 to 16 March; 2 traps from 22 March to 27 May; 114 total trapnights); Site 2, the beaver pond (1 trap from 7 to 16 March; 2 traps from 22 March to 17 July; 80 total trapnights); Site 3, the 6200 holding pond (6 traps from 22 March to 17 July; 204 total trapnights); Site 4, Little Vermillion Creek (1 trap from l8 April to 17 July; 20 total trapnights); Site 5, a culvert at the point where Little Raccoon Creek exits the plant (1 trap from 14 April to 17 July; 21 total trapnights); Site 6, the drainage ditch near the intersection of 15th and Broadway Streets (5 traps from 7 to 16 March; 50 total trapnights); Site 7, the slow stream near Central Avenue (1 trap from 7 to 16 March; 3 traps from 22 March to 9 July; 109 total trapnights); Site 8, an ephemeral pond near EE Street (4 traps from 22 March to 25 April; 72 total trapnights); Site 9, a culvert near the intersection of West and North Streets (1 trap from 22 March to 17 July; 26 total trapnights). In 1993-94, frog choruses were heard at 15 sites (Whitaker, 1994; Figure 1). Those sites were re-examined in 1998 (Figure 1). The sites were visited for at least two nights each year for 20 minutes per night to determine the species present and to estimate the abundance of each species at each site. Seasonal variation in approximate chorus abundance per species was tabulated (Table 2). Snakes were searched for during all phases of the survey, and special attention was paid to roads, roadsides, and other surfaces that snakes might use as sunning sites. RESULTS Fifteen species of amphibians (4 salamanders and 11 frogs and toads) and 10 species of reptiles (3 turtles, 5 snakes, and 2 lizards) were observed at the Newport Chemical Depot. An additional 5 species of snakes were observed by Joseph R. Burdick of the Newport Chemical Depot, bringing the total number of amphibian and reptile species present at the depot to 30. Amphibia: Caudata (Salamanders) Ambystomidae (Mole Salamanders). The small-mouth salamander (Ambystoma texanum) was common at the depot. One hundred and ninety-nine small-mouth salamanders were taken in minnow traps between 8 March and 20 April 1998. The majority (124) were taken at the cattle pond (Figure 1). We had anticipated that other species of Ambystoma would be taken, particularly the tiger salamander (A. tigrinum), since that species is common in the area (Minton, 1972). None were found. Plethodontidae (Lungless Salamanders). Whitaker (1994) found three plethodontids at the plant: the two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), red backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus), and slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus The Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus) is a species of terrestrial Plethodontid salamander found through much of the eastern two thirds of the United States, from New York, west to Wisconsin, south to Texas, and east to Florida, with an isolated population in ). Each of these species was found along the unnamed creek east of the depot (Figure 1). Amphibia: Anura (Frogs and Toads) Hylidae (Tree Frogs). The most abundant hylids observed were the spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) and western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata). Large choruses of each species were heard. Choruses were heard from 28 February to 4 May 1998 (Table 2). The cricket frog (Acris crepitans) and Cope's gray tree frog The Gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) is a species of small arboreal frog native to much of the United States and into Canada. It is sometimes referred to as the North American common tree frog. (Hyla chrysoscelis The Cope's Grey Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis) is a species of tree frog which is found in the United States. It is almost indistinguishable from the Grey Tree Frog, Hyla versicolor, and shares much of its geographic range. ) were found in low numbers. One cricket frog chorus was heard on 2 June 1998, and one Cope's gray tree frog chorus was heard on 16 June 1998 (Table 2). Bufonidae (Toads). The American toad (Bufo americanus) was abundant at the depot. Large choruses were heard at all ponds between 28 March and 6 May 1998 with peak activity at the 6200 holding pond. Individuals were regularly taken in minnow traps. Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousii) was found in low numbers on 16 June 1998 in a wooded area along Little Raccoon Creek. Ranidae (True Frogs). The most common ranid at the Newport Chemical Depot was the green frog (Rana clamitans; Table 1). Choruses were heard from 4 May to 9 July 1998. The pickerel frog (Rana palustris) was also abundant at the plant. Most individuals were observed at the shallow 6200 holding pond located in the south-central portion of the plant (Figure 1). The first pickerel frogs were observed on 17 March and the last were heard on 2 May 1998. Three additional ranids occurred in low numbers at the depot. The southern leopard frog The Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus[1][2], previously Rana sphenocephala) is a species of mostly aquatic true frog, found in the south-eastern third of the United States. There are two accepted subspecies. (Rana utricularia) was heard in low numbers. Moderate choruses of the southern leopard frog were heard on 28 March 1998 and a small chorus on 16 June 1998. Eight individuals were captured in minnow traps at the 6200 holding pond and beaver pond between 13 April and 11 May 1998. The bullfrog bullfrog, common name of the largest North American frog, Rana catesbeiana. Native to the E United States, this species has been successfully introduced in the West and in other parts of the world. The body length is 4 to 8 in. (Rana catesbeiana) was uncommon at the depot. Small choruses were heard on three occasions along small streams in wooded areas. The first chorus was heard on 27 May and the last on 4 July 1998. Four wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) were captured in 1998. This species is uncommon at the depot. Reptilia Reptilia A class of vertebrates composed of four living orders, the turtles or Chelonia, the tuatara or Sphenodonta, the lizards and snakes or Squamata, and the crocodylians or Crocodylia. Numerous extinct orders are also known. : Testudinata (Turtles) Emydidae (Box and Water Turtles). The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina) was the only turtle reported by Pinkham, et al. (1976). Numerous individuals were observed throughout the depot between 20 May and 8 August 1998. The earliest sightings were in wooded areas and along roads, while later sightings were along streambeds where the turtles were often found lying in shallow water See:
Species (Chrysemys picta, family Emydidae) of brightly marked North American turtle found from southern Canada to northern Mexico. It has a smooth shell, 4–7 in. (Chrysemys picta Chrysemys picta painted turtle. ) was reported by Whitaker (1994), but no individuals were observed in 1998. Chelydridae (Snapping Turtles). Three snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were observed at the Newport Chemical Depot in 1998. One was seen in a drainage ditch filled with water which connected to the beaver pond, and two large individuals were observed in a shallow pool along Little Vermillion Creek. Reptilia: Squamata: Lacertilla (Lizards) Scincidae (Skinks). Two species of skink skink Any of about 1,275 species (family Scincidae) of lizards found throughout the tropics and in temperate regions of North America. Skinks have a cylindrical body, a conical head, and a long, tapering tail. Some species are 26 in. (66 cm) long, but most are under 8 in. were found at the depot. One broad headed skink (Eumeces laticeps) was observed on a tree in a wooded area near the north-central section of the perimeter fence, and one five-lined skink (Eumeces fasciatus) was observed in a second growth woods near the east-central entrance to the depot. Reptilia: Serpentes (Snakes) Colubridae (Common Snakes). Ten colubrids have been documented at the plant. The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) was the most common. Fifteen individuals were observed in 1998. Most were caught in minnow traps set at Little Raccoon Creek, Little Vermillion Creek, and the 6200 holding and beaver ponds. Three black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) were observed in 1998. One was found in old-field habitat near the center of the plant; two others were observed along roadsides. One eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), one black racer (Coluber constrictor con·stric·tor n. One that constricts, especially a muscle that contracts or compresses a part or organ of the body. ), and one Dekay's snake (Storeria dekayi) were also found at the depot. The garter snake was caught in a minnow trap placed at the beaver pond in 1998. The Dekay's snake was found dead on a roadside near the unnamed creek (Whitaker, 1994). Five additional species were observed by J.R. Burdick of the Newport Chemical Depot (Whitaker, 1994), including the eastern ribbon snake The Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) is a subspecies of ribbon snake found in the northeastern United States. Its average length is 18-26 inches, with some individuals reaching 38 inches. (Thamnophis sauritus), worm snake worm snake typhlopid. (Carphophis amoenus), northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus), eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos), and prairie king snake (Lampropeltis calligaster). The prairie king snake should be verified as there are few records from near this locality (Minton, 1972). DISCUSSION The Newport Chemical Depot provides habitat for at least fifteen species of amphibians and fifteen species of reptiles along creeks, in wooded areas, and at ephemeral and permanent ponds. Data (Whitaker (1994) and the current study) show an additional eight species of amphibians and fourteen of reptiles present at the depot which were not reported by Pinkam, et al. (1976). One salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), one turtle (Chrysemy picta), and six snakes (Coluber constrictor, Thamnophis sauritus, Lampropeltis calligaster, Heterodon platyrhinos, Diadophis punctatus, and Carphophis amoenus) reported by Whitaker (1994) were not observed in 1998. Other amphibians which could logically occur by virtue of their range and habitat preference which were not observed during this survey include: the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), Jefferson's salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), zig-zag salamander (Plethodon dorsalis), and longtail salamander (Eurycea longicauda). Four amphibians were reported as potentially present by Jackson and Whitaker (1987). Crawfish frogs (Rana areolata) could occur at the depot but should have been heard if present. The four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) is probably absent as this species is now confined mainly to the northern edge of Indiana. The Rana pipiens group (leopard frogs) has been revised; the leopard frog present at the Newport Chemical Depot is the southern leopard frog (Rana utricularia). The mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) may also be absent as this species inhabits bigger streams and deeper water than exist at the depot. Reptiles not found but which occur in the vicinity and for which proper habitat exists are: the eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), black king snake (L. getulus), northern redbellied snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), and western fox snake (Elaphe vulpina). The following four species of reptiles were listed as potentially present by Whitaker (1994). The western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus) and rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) were not found, but they are probably present. The eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) as well as Kirtland's snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) are probably absent due to the lack of proper habitat; these two species are also uncommon in the area. Frogs, like neotropical migrant birds and certain bat species, appear to be undergoing population declines. However, many frog and bird species at Newport have good populations, and, additionally, the federally endangered Indiana bat occurs on site. Large areas where these and other life forms can thrive should be preserved, and Newport is such an area. In addition, good baseline data on all the vertebrates of this area are available--birds (Chandler and Weiss, 1996) as well as mammals and fishes (this issue). Therefore, the depot could be used for future comparisons during later studies of vertebrate population changes. The information gained in this study will be useful in making recommendations for the future of the Newport Chemical Depot when the VX nerve agent is disposed of and the plant closes. The depot is a large, biologically valuable area, and we recommend that its natural areas be set aside to help preserve the biological diversity of the region once operations end. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special thanks go to Phillip Cox of the Newport Chemical Depot for access to the plant and for enthusiasm and support throughout the study. We also thank J.R. Burdick for the use of his data. Finally, we thank the United States Army Materiel Command The U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) is an Army Major Command (MACOM) responsible for materiel readiness, to include technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment. for providing funding for this project. LITERATURE CITED Chandler, C.R. and R.A. Weiss. 1996. Avifauna a·vi·fau·na n. The birds of a specific region or period. [Latin avis, bird; see awi- in Indo-European roots + fauna. of the Newport Army Ammunition Plant, Vermillion County, Indiana. Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci. 105: 69-85. Jackson, M.T. and J.O. Whitaker, Jr. 1987. Endangered and threatened plants and animals Plants and Animals are a Canadian indie-rock band from Montreal, comprised of guitarist-vocalists Warren Spicer and Nic Basque, and drummer-vocalist Matthew Woodley.[1] They are signed to Secret City Records. of the Newport Army Ammunition Plant (NAAP NAAP Network of Arab-American Professionals NAAP National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis NAAP National Association of Photoshop Professionals NAAP National Association of Activity Professionals NAAP New Port Army Ammunition Plant ). Unpubl. Rep., Newport Army Ammunition Plant, Newport, Indiana, 159 pp. Minton, S.A., Jr. 1972. Amphibians and reptiles of Indiana. Indiana Acad. Sci. Monogr. 3,346 pp. Pinkham, C.F.A., H.D. Hertert, J.J. Fuller, D.A. Stiles Stiles can refer to: People
The Army's oldest active proving ground, it was established on October 20, 1917, six months after the United States entered World War I. , Maryland 21010, 47 pp. Whitaker, J.O., Jr. 1994. Survey of endangered, threatened, and special concern fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Newport Army Ammunitions Plant, Newport, Indiana. Unpubl. Rep., Newport Army Ammunitions Plant, Newport, Indiana, 36 pp. Worthley, E.G. and J.G. Pearson. 1976. Terrestrial ecological surveys at Newport Army Ammunition Plant, Indiana. Edgewood Arsenal Tech. Rep. (unpubl.), Dept. Army Headquarters, Edgewood Arsenal, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, 47 pp.
Amphibians and reptiles known from the Newport
Chemical Depot, Vermillion County, Indiana. Data
taken from Whitaker (1994) and the current survey.
Pinkham Estimate by
et al., 1976 Chorus Count
Amphibia
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texanum
Plethodontidae
Plethodon glutinosus
Plethodon cinereus
Eurycea bislineata *
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer 5000+
Pseudacris triseriata * 3000+
Acris crepitans * 20
Hyla crysoscelis 10
Bufonidae
Bufo americanus * 1000+
Bufo woodhousii 10
Ranidae
Rana clamitans * 190
Rana palustris 80
Rana catesbeiana 70
Rana utricularia * 60
Rana sylvatica *
Reptilia
Chelydridae
Chelydra serpentina
Emydidae
Terrapene carolina *
Chrysemys picta
Scincidae
Eumeces fasciatus
Eumeces laticeps
Colubridae
Nerodia sipedon
Elaphe obsoleta
Storeria dekayi
Thamnophis sirtalis
Coluber constrictor
Thamnophis sauritus [a]
Lampropeltis calligaster [a]
Heterodon platirlunos [a]
Diadophis punctatus [a]
Carphophis amoenus [a]
Number Taken in Number of Individuals
Minnow Traps Hand Caught/Observed
Amphibia
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texanum 189 10
Plethodontidae
Plethodon glutinosus 1
Plethodon cinereus 3
Eurycea bislineata 2
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer 27
Pseudacris triseriata 12
Acris crepitans
Hyla crysoscelis 1
Bufonidae
Bufo americanus 31 90
Bufo woodhousii
Ranidae
Rana clamitans 7 4
Rana palustris 22 7
Rana catesbeiana
Rana utricularia 8
Rana sylvatica 1 3
Reptilia
Chelydridae
Chelydra serpentina 3
Emydidae
Terrapene carolina 14
Chrysemys picta
Scincidae
Eumeces fasciatus 1
Eumeces laticeps 1
Colubridae
Nerodia sipedon 10 5
Elaphe obsoleta 3
Storeria dekayi 1
Thamnophis sirtalis 1
Coluber constrictor 1
Thamnophis sauritus [a] *
Lampropeltis calligaster [a] *
Heterodon platirlunos [a] *
Diadophis punctatus [a] *
Carphophis amoenus [a] *
Estimate of
Abundance
Amphibia
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texanum Abundant
Plethodontidae
Plethodon glutinosus Uncommon
Plethodon cinereus Uncommon
Eurycea bislineata Uncommon
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer Abundant
Pseudacris triseriata Abundant
Acris crepitans Uncommon
Hyla crysoscelis Uncommon
Bufonidae
Bufo americanus Abundant
Bufo woodhousii Uncommon
Ranidae
Rana clamitans Common
Rana palustris Common
Rana catesbeiana Uncommon
Rana utricularia Uncommon
Rana sylvatica Uncommon
Reptilia
Chelydridae
Chelydra serpentina Uncommon
Emydidae
Terrapene carolina Abundant
Chrysemys picta Common
Scincidae
Eumeces fasciatus Uncommon
Eumeces laticeps Uncommon
Colubridae
Nerodia sipedon Abundant
Elaphe obsoleta Common
Storeria dekayi Uncommon
Thamnophis sirtalis Uncommon
Coluber constrictor Uncommon
Thamnophis sauritus [a] Uncommon
Lampropeltis calligaster [a] Uncommon
Heterodon platirlunos [a] Uncommon
Diadophis punctatus [a] Uncommon
Carphophis amoenus [a] Uncommon
(a.)Species observed on depot property by Joseph R. Burdick,
an employee of the depot, but, not verified by the authors.
Amphibian numbers for traps and chorus estimation numbers
by date (1998) from the Newport Chemical Depot, Vermillion
County, Indiana (L = low numbers (1 to 10 individuals);
M = moderate numbers (10 to 50 individuals); and H = high
numbers ( [greater than]50 individuaLs)).
Month Feb. Mar. Apr. May.
Days 15-30 1-15 16-31 1-15 16-30 1-15
N 2 3 5 3 3 6
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texamun Trap 129 63
Plethodontidae
Plethodon cinereus Trap
Eurycea bislineata Trap
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer Trap 13 7 3 1 3
Chorus 1L 1M 3M, 1L 1L
9H
Pseudacris triseriate Trap 9 3
Chorus 1M 2M 1M, 2L,
1H 12H 1M
Acris crepitans Trap
Chorus
Hyla crysascelis Trap
Chorus
Bufonidae
Bufo americans Trap 23 7 1
Chorus 1L, 1M 1M
2M,
2H
Bufo woodhousii Trap
Chorus
Ranidae
Rana clamitans Trap 2
Chorus 1L,
2M
Rana palustric Trap 9 10 5
Chorus 2L 1M 1L
Rana Catesbeiana Trap
Chorus
Rana utricularia Trap 4 1 3
Chorus 1M
Rana sylvatica Trap
Chorus
Month June July Aug.
Days 16-31 1-15 16-30 1-15 16-31 1-15 16-31
N 4 2 4 4 6 1 3
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texamun 5 2
Plethodontidae
Plethodon cinereus
Eurycea bislineata
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer
Pseudacris triseriate
Acris crepitans
1L 1L
Hyla crysascelis
1L
Bufonidae
Bufo americans 2 1 2 3
Bufo woodhousii
1L
Ranidae
Rana clamitans 2 3 2
1M 1L 2L
Rana palustric 5
Rana Catesbeiana
1M 1L 1L
Rana utricularia
1L
Rana sylvatica 1 1 1
Month Sept.
Days 1-15 Total
N 1
Ambystomidae
Ambystoma texamun 199
Plethodontidae
Plethodon cinereus 3 3
Eurycea bislineata 2 2
Hylidae
Psuedacris crucifer 27
Pseudacris triseriate 12
Acris crepitans
Hyla crysascelis 1
Bufonidae
Bufo americans 39
Bufo woodhousii
Ranidae
Rana clamitans 9
Rana palustric 29
Rana Catesbeiana
Rana utricularia 8
Rana sylvatica 3
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