Date of Award
Spring 2026
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Honors Bachelor of Arts
Department
Environmental Science
Sponsor
Ian Biazzo
Committee Member
Bobby Fokidis
Committee Member
Jay Pieczynski
Abstract
Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates globally, facing rapid declines due to habitat loss, pollution, disease, invasive species, and climate change. The order Anura (frogs and toads), despite being the largest group of amphibians with over 7,000 species worldwide, has a significant knowledge gap in movement patterns compared to other vertebrate groups. Understanding how these species move within and across ecosystems is critical for conservation. We systematically analyzed 291 peer-reviewed articles published over the last 100 years on the movement ecology of North American anurans. We examined dispersal, migration, home range, and site fidelity, focusing on observed movement rather than gene flow or simulation studies. Frogs and toads frequently showed strong site fidelity, while also displaying variation in dispersal capacity and seasonal migrations. Anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat fragmentation, urbanization, roads, and climate fluctuations consistently emerged as barriers to movement and population connectivity. To evaluate potential movement distances across studies, we then conducted a meta-analysis focused on observed movements of the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas), the third-most-published species in our dataset.
Recommended Citation
Gary, Makenna M., "Frog Movement & the Implications for Conservation & Management in North America: The Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)" (2026). Honors Program Theses. 272.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/honors/272
Rights Holder
Makenna Morrison Gary