Final Report: Performance Report Surveys and Investigations Projects as Requiredby Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act Missouri Federal Aid Project No. W-13-R-55 (2001) Study No. 18: Wetland Ecology Studies in the Missouri River Floodplain. Job No. 2:

摘要

During the previous century, about 41,000 ha of aquatic habitat was lost in thelower Missouri River alluvial valley. The Great Flood of 1993 reversed that trend by creating 446 new wetlands in the alluvial valley between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. We examined amphibian and turtle use of these new flood-created wetlands and of pre-flood existing wetlands during 1996 through 1998 to determine the value of the new and existing wetlands to amphibians and turtles. Specifically, we examined the species composition and relative abundance of amphibian and turtle communities at four existing (farmed temporary, unfarmed temporary, wooded slough, and remnant) and two flood-created (non-connected scour and connected scour) wetland types. In addition, we determined what habitat features predict amphibian and turtle relative abundance at the wetlands. Amphibian communities were sampled using drift fences and funnel traps next to and with wetlands. Turtle communities were sampled using baited and unbaited hoop traps within wetlands. Turtle movements in and adjacent to floodplain wetlands were also described.