Predation modifies larval amphibian communities in urban wetlands

Abstract

Fish introduced into wetlands can impact amphibian populations through predation on eggs and larvae. While relationships among hydroperiod, habitat complexity and predation on amphibian larvae have been examined in relatively natural freshwater ecosystems, they have not been explicitly considered in urban landscapes. We examined these relationships in 64 urban wetlands in southern Australia using non-native fish and aquatic invertebrates as predators. Larvae of three out of six frog species detected during our study were captured in wetlands containing fish. With other variables held constant, the mean number of tree frog (Litoria spp.) larvae in the wetland with the highest abundance of pre..