Date of Award

8-2024

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Chair

Dr. Carl Reese

Committee Chair School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Member 2

Dr. George Raber

Committee Member 2 School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Member 3

Dr. Carl Qualls

Committee Member 3 School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Committee Member 4

Dr. David Cochran

Committee Member 4 School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis was to identify potential new pond sites across southern Mississippi for the critically endangered dusky gopher frog (DGF). Ephemeral ponds are the preferred breeding habitat for the species, but they are quite rare in the region due to the diminishment of the longleaf pine ecosystem. This research addresses gaps in the current literature by providing a broad overview of dusky gopher frog breeding habitat identification. LiDAR derived datasets as well as tools within ArcGIS Pro were utilized in order to perform spatial analysis on sites of interest in south Mississippi. By using this methodology I hope to provide valuable information on the viability of potential ponds for DGF habitation in a time efficient manner. Field observations and drone imagery allowed for the examination of four potential pond sites identified within the ArcGIS software. Although one site was eliminated for failing to meet the criteria for dusky gopher frog introduction, the remaining three sites appear promising for housing the species. Furthermore, several potential ponds were examined solely within ArcGIS and a few of these ponds may also warrant further investigation. Ultimately, this project demonstrates the utility of spatial analysis tools when attempting to identify optimal habitat sites across a large geographic range.

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Available for download on Friday, August 01, 2025

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