Spatial Relations in Natural Populations of the Leopard Frog, Rana pipiens Schreber, in Northern Michigan

Abstract

A study of two populations of Rana pipiens revealed that the size of the home range, permanence of occupancy of the home range, and the place of residence differed considerably in two ecologically differ- ent environments. In one study area (Sedge Point) where the area avail- able for habitation was relatively small and confined by less suitable habi- tat, and where standing water was readily available, home ranges were smaller and more commonly reoccupied year after year by the same frogs from their second season through adulthood, than in the second study area (Budzinski's) where suitable habitat was more widespread, less con- fined, and where ponds were less readily available. In the latter region, but apparently not in the former, larger frogs tended to occupy less wet regions at greater distances from ponds than did smaller frogs.