New Hampshire Nature Notes
by Eric Orff

Marathon Is On for NH Frogs and Salamanders

Monday 04/20/2015

CONCORD, N.H. - This week’s rain, in combination with mild temperatures, signals the start of another regional marathon. Frogs, spotted salamanders and toads will be on the move to breed in temporary water bodies called vernal pools. During this “race,” they must get to the breeding pools, mate and lay eggs, and the young must hatch and grow legs before the vernal pools dry up this summer.

In a changing climate, New Hampshire summers are tending to be hotter and dryer, which may cause vernal pools to disappear sooner than they normally would. The late spring this year delayed the start of amphibian migration, which means the young will have an even shorter window of time in which to develop into terrestrial (land-based) stages.

Over the next several weeks, you can help by limiting driving after dark when it’s raining. If you’re out on a rainy night, THINK frogs and salamanders, advises the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Once you’re off larger state roads, slow down, way down. Be safe, but if you see dots in the road, try to avoid hitting them. Migrating amphibians should be fairly easy to spot, as many will be hopping. Be a hero for our smallest marathoners!

Another way to help: If you see frogs or salamanders while out on a walk, Fish and Game encourages you to report your sightings to the Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program (RAARP). Learn more at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/nongame_and_endangered_wildlife.htm.