FAQ

We Need the Help of Local Communities

The Tadpole Monitoring Project seeks to gather information regarding tadpole die-offs from local communities. Working from the James Oliver Ecological Centre on Pigeon Lake, we propose to monitor potentially vulnerable tadpole populations from spring until freeze up. During the winter months we will use standard diagnostic techniques to attempt to identify the cause of death in tadpoles with signs of this pathogen. This website will be used to monitor, track and map similar die-offs around the province. Our goal is to compile information from a variety of locations to determine commonalities between locations. Please take the time to contribute to this worthwhile cause. The future of Ontario amphibian populations may depend on it.

What is the Monitoring Protocol?

The protocol for monitoring your local wetland or pond is simple. In the early spring, take a walk around the pond or wetland and identify areas where you see frogs or hear frogs calling (Make a note of the date that calling started at your site). Whenever possible, do a visual sweep of areas known to contain amphibians. Make a note of the date you begin to observe egg masses and their relative abundance. From this point on, all that is required is a visual sweep when possible to identify any tadpoles or frogs exhibiting the behavioural or clinical signs of infection. It is also important to identify any mass mortalities which occur (such as many dead tadpoles floating on the surface of the water, even though you have observed no clinical signs). If you observe any of these signs or die off events please contact the research team immediately or submit an online report.