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The Indiana Amphibian Monitoring Program was established in 2001 as a part of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). NAAMP is based on citizen science, where the public helps gather data to aid scientists. In this program, data is gathered on calling frogs and toads (amphibians).
NAAMP volunteers drive a pre-determined route and listen for calling frogs and toads. There are ten stops per route, and volunteers listen for five minutes at each stop. Routes are driven at least a half-hour after sunset, and should be run at least once per window. Volunteers record their data and sent it to the state coordinator.
“…to provide a statistically defensible program to monitor the distributions and relative abundance of amphibians in North America, with applicability at multiple scales, including state, ecoregional and continent levels.”
Amphibian populations throughout the world have been experiencing declines, possible causes include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, disease, increased UV radiation, and the introduction of exotic species. Long-term monitoring allows us to keep an eye on frog and toad populations, so we can take the proper steps needed to protect them.
Volunteer data contributes to the monitoring of amphibian populations, helps to update distribution maps and increase our understanding of breeding phenology (when frogs call). In short, your data aids in amphibian conservation. If you would like to volunteer, please email your state coordinator at naamp@dnr.IN.gov.