Marc P. Hayes

• PhD
• Researcher at Aquatic & Herpetological Research Cooperative

Conflict between native amphibians and aquatic weed management in the Pacific Northwest is rarely recognized because most native stillwater-breeding amphibian species move upland during summer, when herbicide application to control weeds in aquatic habitats typically occurs. However, aquatic weed management may pose a risk for aquatic species prese...

Population declines due to amphibian chytridiomycosis among selected species of ranid frogs from western North America have been severe, but there is evidence that the Oregon spotted frog, Rana pretiosa Baird and Girard, 1853, displays resistance to the disease. Norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions were collected from a non-declining populatio...

Observations that recently metamorphosed Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) appear to allow close approach before fleeing led us to contrast their flight initiation distances with those of introduced American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in order to determine whether this anti-predator variable had the potential to make R. pretiosa vulnera...

Floodplain ponds and wetlands are productive and biodiverse ecosystems, yet they face multiple threats including altered hydrology, land use change, and non‐native species. Protecting and restoring important floodplain ecosystems requires understanding how organisms use these habitats and respond to altered environmental conditions. We developed Ba...

The salamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans [Bsal]) is causing massive mortality of salamanders in Europe. The potential for spread via international trade into North America and the high diversity of salamanders has catalyzed concern about Bsal in the U.S. Surveillance programs for invading pathogens must initially meet challe...

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a globally distributed fungal pathogen of amphibians that has contributed to one of the largest disease‐related biodiversity losses in wildlife. Bd is regularly viewed through the lens of a global wildlife epizootic because the spread of highly virulent genetic lineages has resulted in well‐documented declines...

Stream‐associated amphibians are sensitive bioindicators in headwater streams across the Pacific Northwest moist coniferous forests of North America. Much of this landscape is intensively managed for timber. Forest Practice (FP) rules determine harvest prescriptions on most private lands in Washington State and cover over 3.7 million hectares. Unde...

Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) are 1 of only 2 native turtles in the Pacific Northwest. In October 2021, we recaptured an adult male 21 y after it was initially marked. In 2000, it had at least 9 annuli, indicating an age of at least 30 y in 2021. This approximates only half the maximum known age for the larger C. picta species co...

• Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi) is the only endemic freshwater fish species in Washington State and is limited to south-western and northern coastal wetlands there. Population decline has led to its listing as state ‘Sensitive’, while recent genetic analysis has identified north coast populations as a sub-group of potential concern because of...

This peer-reviewed report describes the results of an 11-year study addressing potential forest practices effects on headwater stream biota. A special emphasis on amphibians, water temperatures and other important elements are included.

Provides first description of Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) predation on California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae)

Amphibians frequently inhabit wildfire-prone environments, but little is known how amphibians respond to fire. This study assessed the post-wildfire species composition and abundance of an amphibian assemblage in an 11.8-ha seasonal marsh. Pre-fire, four native amphibians occupied Ledson Marsh, including: California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)...

Provides the maximum size for the northern clade (not yet formally recognized) of the Forest Alligator Lizard [Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata])

Prior to 2013, only 5 verified records of the Common Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia tenuis) existed in western Washington State, with only 1 observation from the San Juan Islands. Our objective was to broaden our knowledge of the Common Sharp-tailed Snake in the San Juan Islands. We installed cover boards in suitable habitats and checked them as circum...

We describe the eggs, oviposition site, and pre-hatching development of the Olympic Torrent Salamander (Rhyacotriton olympicus) for the first time. We made field observations before oviposition and continued them until the site washed out. We also reared an egg to hatching in the laboratory to allow us to describe early development. Oviposition is...

Executive Summary: We reduced vegetation cover along a 50-m reach on each of 25 headwater streams in northwest Oregon and western Washington. Vegetation removal began directly over the stream and moved outward until 0%, 30%, and 70% overhead cover was attained (hereafter; no-, low-, and intermediate-shade treatments). Each treated reach was paired...

Headwater streams, which comprise approximately 65% of the total stream length on forestlands in western Washington, are largely understudied relative to their frequency in the landscape. We evaluated the effectiveness of riparian forest management prescriptions for small non-fish-bearing (Type N) headwater stream basins in western Washington by co...

Van Dyke’s salamander (Plethodon vandykei), a lungless species endemic to Washington State, is one of seven stream-associated amphibian species designated under the Forests and Fish Agreement. Consideration of seven stream-associated amphibian species known to occur in or along headwater streams was one of many considerations during Agreement negot...

In the Pacific Northwest of North America, research addressing lentic-breeding amphibian population vulnerability has emphasized aquatic habitats, frequently neglecting terrestrial habitats. Consequently, wetland protection and restoration often fails to preserve or restore adjacent uplands required by lentic-breeding amphibians. Inattention to the...

Introduction We conducted waterfowl and waterbird observational surveys as part of a larger collaboration informing the Chehalis Basin Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) in response to evaluating flood reduction alternatives on the upper reaches of the Chehalis River. The Chehalis floodplain is the focus of annual transect-based aer...

Aquatic herbicides are used to manage invasive emergent plants in and around wetlands. Metamorphic frogs that emerge during the aquatic weed management season may be at risk of herbicide exposure. Metamorphic northern red-legged frogs (Rana aurora) were exposed to a triclopyr tank mix labelled for control of broadleaf emergent aquatic weeds such as...

The foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) is a stream-breeding amphib­ian that has experienced significant population declines over a large portion of its historical range. This frog is nearing extirpation in much of the Sierra Nevada region where existing populations are sparse. Water development and diversions are likely to be the primary cau...

The Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa), a federally threatened species also listed as endangered in Washington State, has a historical distribution that extends from southwestern British Columbia to northeastern California, yet their current range appears highly fragmented. This pattern may reflect this species' distinctive aquatic habitat require...

Tailed frogs comprise the only two living species in the genus Ascaphus, a group of frogs endemic to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of North America. As the sister group of all other living frog species, tailed frogs have a unique array of primitive features, including true ribs; alternate-leg swimming; no functional tongue; and no voice and no audito...

Tailed frogs comprise the only two living species in the genus Ascaphus, a group of frogs endemic to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of North America. As the sister group of all other living frog species, tailed frogs have a unique array of primitive features, including true ribs; alternate-leg swimming; no functional tongue; and no voice and no audito...

Summarizes preliminary research on non-breeding active-season habitat and genetic sampling for adult Oregon spotted frogs at West Rocky Prairie, Thurston County, Washington.

The Yosemite toad (Anaxyrus [Bufo] canorus) is endemic to the higher-elevation (> 1,980 m [> 6,500 ft]) aquatic habitats of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Once historically abundant, it is estimated that this toad has been extirpated from significant portions of its historical localities, and many of its remaining populations appear dep...

This study evaluated whether lecture-or workshop-style presentations were more effective for teaching environmental education (EE) to both male and female inmate students. To compare these styles, we designed pre-and post-engagement surveys quantified on a five-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions to capture qualitative nuances. Our finding...

This poster summarizes a population, parentage & non-breeding habitat analysis done on the relatively small Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) population occupying the marsh system that laps the headwaters of Allen and Beaver Creeks in western Washington. A total of 81 adult frogs represented 56 unique individuals were captured during the non-bree...

Rare amphibian species pose significant survey challenges because of their limited distributions and cryptic behavior. Using the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) as a case study, we developed ecological niche models (ENMs) to guide surveys across the southern extent of the species' geographic distribution and assess species' presence in Californ...

This report presents a synthesis of scientific literature and expertise regarding the mountain yellow-legged frog complex in the Sierra Nevada, which is now comprised of two species, Rana muscosa and R. sierrae. These species, which inhabit largely higher-elevation (> 1,219 m [> 4,000 ft.]) aquatic habitats of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Califor...

The Cascades frog (Rana cascadae) is a montane, lentic-breeding amphibian that has become rare in the southern Cascade Range and remains relatively widespread in the Klamath Mountains of northern California. In the southern Cascades, remaining populations occur primarily in meadow habitats where the fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, and habitat des...

The Oregon spotted frog (OSF; Rana pretiosa) is presumed extirpated from ca. 70% of historic habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Successful conservation of the species will likely depend on a more detailed understanding of OSF habitat associations and life history requirements that drive those use patterns. Among the more prominent factors limiting k...

FeW data exist that quantify evasive behavior in postmetamorphic anurans. On the basis of our casual observations that Oregon Spotted Frogs (Rana pretiosa) from one of two different populations appeared to exhibit a more pronounced evasive response, we used a pseudopredator stimulus to quantify the evasive response of juveniles from the two populat...

Reports new maximum size record for one of the clades of Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris)

Conservation and management programs use populations of sentinel taxa, such as stream-associated amphibians, as indicator species due to their perceived sensitivity to environmental change. Estimating population size with traditional tools such as mark–recapture estimators may be impractical for forest-dwelling stream-associated amphibians, many of...

Invasive Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is widespread in the Pacific Northwest, USA and develops dense, tall stands in shallow wetland habitats. Oregon Spotted Frogs (Rana pretiosa) are a species of conservation concern, and lay eggs in clusters in seasonally flooded margins of emergent wetlands. We hypothesized that reducing Reed Canarygr...

Background/Question/Methods In 2012, over 2.2 million Americans (about 1% of the adult population) are in prison. Simultaneously, millions of hectares of habitat are imperiled and millions of organisms are being reared and restored to landscapes and ecosystems. The Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) aims to both help reduce the environmental...

The Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) is at risk across its geographic range. Discovery of the chytridiomycete fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in declining populations of R. pretiosa suggested that this etiological agent might be a contributor to these declines. We experimentally examined sensitivity of R. pretiosa to Bd by exposing j...

This note describes the sixth R. kezeri oviposition site encountered, the first found with in a recent clear-cut with no riparian buffer, and the first photograph of a Rhyacotriton egg.

We compared rubble-rousing versus light-touch stream amphibian survey techniques in multiple 1-m plots across 10 streams in southwest Washington, USA. Specifically, we wanted to determine if light-touch surveys provide unbiased estimates of abundance (i.e., provide counts correlated with rubble-rousing counts) and which method would provide more co...

The Western Forester has asked Washington Wildlife Biologists Marc Hayes and A.I. Kroll to provide their perspectives on the importance of riparian buffers to stream-associated amphibians. Literature Cited for both articles is available on our website at www.forestry.org/wf.

First record of Pygmy Short-Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii) as prey of the Great Basin Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola)

Summarizes field observation of oviposition and development for a clutch of Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) for which the female was observed in the act of oviposition.

This poster summarizes our development of a MaxEnt model designed as a first screen to identify sites with a high probability of occupancy by the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) at the southern end of its geographic range.

This poster summarizes movement from opportunistic recaptures during a manipulative study examining the effects of canopy shade removal. In identifies movement by torrent salamander that considerably exceed the distances previously reported for this instream-breeding salamander group.

1. Welsh & Hodgson (2008) argued that stream-associated amphibians (Ascaphus truei, Dicamptodon tenebrosus and Rhyacotriton variegatus) are reliable indicators of ecosystem health in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), U.S.A. We demonstrate that their assertions rely on circular reasoning as well as logical and empirical assumptions that have not received...

The Coastal Tailed Frog is one of the best studied headwater amphibians in the Pacific Northwest, yet we know very little about either its seasonal movements or its distribution within and among headwater basins. During August through October 2000–2002, we studied Coastal Tailed Frogs in 81 headwater basins from managed forests in the Stillman Cree...

This poster summarizes the approach used to facilitate identification of gender in adult Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) from external characteristics

Toads of the genus Bufo co-occur with true frogs (family Ranidae) throughout their North American ranges. Yet, Bufo are rarely reported as prey for ranid frogs, perhaps due to dermal toxins that afford them protection from some predators. We report field observations from four different localities demonstrating that Oregon spotted frogs (Rana preti...

Introduced American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) come in contact with native amphibians on four continents and are well established in lowlands of western North America. To date, research on the effects of introduced bullfrogs on native frogs has focused on competition and predation, and is based largely on larval interactions. We present observati...

Describes disturbance of northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora) egg masses by nutria (Myocastor coypus)

This report provides an evaluation of some biological consequences of four management options for Capitol Lake, which include: 1) Status Quo - no change from existing conditions; 2) Managed Lake - maintenance of a lake about 13 feet (4 meters) in uniform depth; 3) Estuary - 5th-Avenue Dam removal resulting in a dynamic, steady-state estuary; and 4)...

We used the Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora) as a means to evaluate the efficacy of existing state and local guidelines and regulations in addressing amphibian conservation in urbanizing areas. Rana aurora is endemic to the North American Pacific Northwest and may serve as an umbrella species for co-occurring lentic-breeding amphibians becaus...

Bury and Martin (1967. Copeia 1967:487) reported on the stomach contents of 36 post-metamorphic R. variegatus from northwestern California, the only diet study for any species of Rhyacotriton.Data on larval diet are lacking entirely. Herein, we report on larval diet for R. kezeri.

Questions the validity of the recently published record length for a North American snake in Pituophis catenifer.

We compared the effectiveness of three amphibian survey methods (trapping, light-touch, and destructive sampling) in seeps because the efficiency of these methods in this kind of habitat has not been evaluated previously. Our study sites were located on managed forests in southwest Washington State. Trapping involved setting up an array of funnel t...

Describes a new distance record for seasonal movements in the Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)

Tailed frogs (Ascaphus spp.) oviposit in cryptic locations in streams of the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. This aspect of their life history has restricted our understand-ing of their reproductive ecology. The recent split of A. montanus in the Rocky Mountains from A. truei was based on molecular differentiation, and comparisons of their e...

Few dietary data exist for Rana draytonii, a taxon only recently recognized as a full species (Shaffer et al. 2004. Mol. Ecol. 13:2667–2677). Available data are those of Hayes and Tennant (1985. Southwest. Nat. 30:601–605), who reported on the gastrointestinal tract contents of 35 post-metamorphic frogs collected in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and...

Describes observations of Sandhill Crane predation on Oregon Spotted Frogs.

Describes the maximum body size (as SVL) in Rana pretiosa.

We augment the sparse species-specific dietary data on Dicamptodon copei with an observation of camel cricket (Tropidischia xanthostoma) prey from southwestern Washington.

We sampled nutrient and water quality parameters and surveyed Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) life stages (eggs, larvae and recently metamorphosed juveniles) to identify the potential for agriculture-related nutrient enrichment problems at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Conboy Lake NWR), Klickitat County, Washington. Aside from selectiv...

Patterns of dry season surface flow in forested headwater channels of southwest Washington were observed during August to September 2001 and July to October 2002. In 2001, 17 channels were sampled once, and the uppermost points of continuous flow (CF) and surface water (SW) were located. In 2002, sampling was replicated three to five times at each...

Characterizes ant-filled aquatically deposited scats of Bufo boreas that helps define the movement scats of adults.

Describes fall vocalizations by male Rana aurora in terrestrial habitat.

We add Taricha granulosa to the list of salamanders known to consume fish, and describe their opportunistic predation on injured, disoriented fish.

Describes a colonization event post-disturbance in a quasi-suburban landscape.

Describes growth rate and male size at maturity for two Rana aurora at a lowland Puget Sound locality.

We studied behavior and locations of ovewintering Columbia spotted frogs in northeastern Oregon. We monitored 66 radio-tagged frogs as they moved to overwinterirg sites during 1997-2000. Frogs used a diversity of overwintering sites, but alI sites had an aquatic component including ice-covered ponds (44%). partially frozen ponds (29%), lotic habila...

We studied overwintering behavior in the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge over the 22-week interval from 21 September 2000 to 17 February 2001. Ten adult (mass > 27 g) frogs (8 females, 2 males) from two sites 3 linear km apart were tracked on a weekly basis using radio-transmitters with an external belt a...

Movements of Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) were determined after breeding to provide managers with information on habitat requirements. We radio-tagged 47 adults and observed movements occurring with 22 frogs. Eleven frogs remained in breeding ponds, and 11 moved to other ponds or river stretches during spring and summer 1998. Distance...

We evaluated reproduction and recruitment of the Columbia spotted frog (Rana luteiventris Thompson) in 70 ponds used by beef cattle and in 57 ponds not used by beef cattle in northeast-ern Oregon. No significant differences were detected in the num-ber of egg masses or recently metamorphosed frogs in grazed and ungrazed sites. No pond characteristi...

Roughly 100 presumed historic localities for the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii) were obtained from an extensive search of verifiable sources. This pool yielded a subset of 90 identifiable localities that could be surveyed. Surveys, conducted in 1997-1998, coupled searches for frogs with the scoring or measurement and recording of biotic...

During 1997, eight lakes and ponds in the Sky Lakes Wilderness that had been surveyed each year during the previous three years (1994-6) were resurveyed as part of the long-term monitoring program for amphibians and reptiles in high elevation ecosystems of the southern Oregon Cascades. Surveys were visual-encounter and performed in a manner similar...

During the past decade, increased concern for the psychological as well as the physical well-being of animals has allowed environmental enrichment to mature as a focal concept in their captive management (Shepherdson 1989, 1991a,b, 1992). As the concept has developed, its scope has expanged to include almost any variable linked to the perceptual un...

Abstract: During 1995-6, historical localities in the Deschutes River Basin and other basin and river systems in Oregon and northeastern California were surveyed for Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa). Surveys represented a continuation of those completed on this taxon in Oregon during 1993-4. Of 28 historical sites examined in 1995-6, only 11 ha...

Data on 80 amphibian and reptile taxa native to the State of California were reviewed. All taxa potentially candidates for State or Federal “Threatened” or “Endangered” species listing were examined. Review of available data revealed that 48 of these 80 taxa warranted listing at some level. Data for review were assembled from individuals having fie...

This report addresses the amphibian and reptile fauna of Forest Park to provide guidelines for the management of this segment of the fauna. In this context, it presents: a) a summary of historical data on the amphibian and reptile fauna; b) a summary of data collected during recent surveys, mostly during fall-winter 1993-1994; c) an interpretation...

This report documents the decline and current status of four ranid frogs (Rana aurora draytonii, R. muscosa, R. onca, and R. yavapaiensis) historically found in the North American desert southwest and discusses the establishment of two introduced ranid frogs(R.berlandieri and R.catesbeiana) that were brought into the region during the 20th century...

The parthenogenetic tick Amblyomma rotundatum, a Central and South American species, has become established in southern Florida. The date of introduction is unknown, but it is suspected to be either during the 1930s, when 1 of its natural hosts, the giant or marine toad, Bufo marinus, was introduced to southern Florida as a potential biological con...