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Invasive species are the single most important conservation problem at the species level. When a new species colonizes a new habitat, it finds good conditions since the local organisms do not have an evolutionary history exposure to the invaders. Potential prey has not evolved defenses against the newcomer and predators do not recognize it as prey. American bullfrog (Lithobates castebiana) was introduced in Northern New Mexico more than 50 years ago. Its impact on the local fauna has been quite important driving to extinction many local populations of native species. In this Study we set out to assess the impact that the bullfrog predation on the local wildlife. We studied the diet of 268 via analyzing their stomach content. Surprisingly we did not find any of the native amphibians in the diet of the bullfrogs. In fact, an invasive species of crayfish seems to be the dominant prey item in their diet. We hypothesize that local populations of leopard frogs might have evolved behavioral avoidance of bullfrog predation. The potential use of this population to restock places where leopard frogs have gone extinct is an appealing, and seemingly possible, alternative.

Poster: To clearly understand the current status of the Mora River at Wind River Ranch a comprehensive water quantity and quality long-term monitoring study is being conducted. The goal of this project is to monitor several hydrology and water quality parameters to determine long-term changes and/or trends in the hydrology and quality of the Mora River at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge. These parameters will be integrated into a question driven long-term monitoring project that will allow us to investigate specific issues as they are related to climate change and the activities occurring at the Rio Mora Refuge and within the Mora River Watershed. Water quality sondes have been deployed at two sites and have been recording the physiochemical parameters continuously since July 2013. In addition water samples have been collected twice monthly at these sites for nutrient concentration determination. Preliminary data indicates that daily and seasonal fluctuations exist for all parameters measured.

Poster: The introduction of Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) has a negative impact on native species by out competing them for food and habitat. Woodhouse toads (Anaxyrus woodhousii) are among the native species to the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge (RMNWR) that co-exists with Bullfrogs. Early on bullfrogs were eradicated from a 2,600 meter section of the Mora River to evaluate the impact of their eradication on the local fauna while a control site of the river was left untouched where bullfrog density did not change. A parallel study on the diet of the euthanized bullfrogs found the presence of Woodhouse toads in their diet. The goal of this project is to investigate the impact of bullfrogs on Woodhouse toads by using three methods to determine differences between the control and experimental sites: (1) Determine abundance via two methods: A) a mark-recapture study demographic parameters (rate of increase, survival, capture rate). Distance sampling using random or systematic transects in the study area; (2) comparison of demographic structure using the animals caught in both sites; and (3) radio telemetry to explore habitat use and mobility of the Woodhouse toad as well as how it is affected by the presence of Bullfrogs.

Poster: Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are not well studied in New Mexico, and they have not been studied with relation to invasive species in Northern New Mexico. Recently, there have been many studies on herpetofauna and their responses to the invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) along the Mora River at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge. In a past study, bullfrogs were eradicated experimentally for a basis to learn about their impacts on native species. Snapping turtles live in the same habitats as bullfrogs and their hatchlings are potentially prey for bullfrogs. After bullfrogs eradication we have found neonate snapping turtles while no neonates were seen in the area where bullfrogs are still present. So I surmise that bullfrogs may have an impact on the population of snapping turtles. In this study I will evaluate the behavior and abundance of both adult and juvenile snapping turtles in response to the presence or absence of bullfrog. I will equip 8 snapping turtles with ATS radio telemetry transmitters and follow them for the next year documenting their preferred habitat, mating and nesting grounds. I will also perform systematic mark and capture throughout the summer to understand their demography and distribution. Understanding the habitat that snapping turtles select will help land managers incorporate protection of these habitats for this unrecognized and elusive species. Not only will this study provide baseline data on the behavior of snapping turtles in this region, it will provide a better understanding of the interactions between invasive and native species.

This poster illustrates the parts of a typical watershed, describes some basic concepts, and provides suggestions for good land stewardship. This version is a preliminary draft of a soon-to-be-published product. Contact the Forest and Watershed Health Office ("contact us") for permission to use or for more information.