Herpetofauna and Riparian Microhabitat of Urban and Wildland Reaches Along the Salt River, Arizona
Author(s):
- Melanie Banville, Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics
- Heather Bateman, Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics
Abstract:
Worldwide, riverine floodplains are among the most endangered landscapes. In response to anthropogenic impacts, riverine restoration projects are considerably increasing. However, there is a paucity of information on how riparian rehabilitation activities impact non-avian wildlife communities. I evaluated herpetofauna abundance, species richness, diversity (i.e., Shannon and Simpson indices), species-specific responses, and riparian microhabitat characteristics along three reaches (i.e., wildland, urban rehabilitated, and urban disturbed) of the Salt River, Arizona. The surrounding uplands of the two urbanized reaches were dominated by the built environment (i.e., Phoenix metropolitan area). I predicted that greater diversity of microhabitat and lower urbanization would promote herpetofauna abundance, richness, and diversity. In 2010, at each reach, I performed herpetofauna visual surveys five times along eight transects (n=24) spanning the riparian zone. I quantified twenty one microhabitat characteristics such as ground substrate, vegetative cover, woody debris, tree stem density, and plant species richness along each transect. Herpetofauna species richness was the greatest along the wildland reach, and the lowest along the urban disturbed reach. The wildland reach had the greatest diversity indices, and diversity indices of the two urban reaches were similar. Abundance of herpetofauna was approximately six times lower along the urban disturbed reach compared to the two other reaches, which had similar abundances. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduced microhabitat variables to five factors, and significant differences among reaches were detected. Vegetation structure complexity, vegetation species richness, as well as densities of Prosopis (mesquite), Salix (willow), Populus (cottonwood), and animal burrows had a positive correlation with at least one of the three herpetofauna community parameter quantified (i.e., herpetofauna abundance, species richness, and diversity indices), and had a positive correlation with at least one herpetofauna species. Overall, rehabilitation activities positively influenced herpetofauna abundance and species richness, whereas urbanization negatively influenced herpetofauna diversity indices. Based on herpetofauna/microhabitat correlations established, I developed recommendations regarding microhabitat features that should be created in order to promote herpetofauna when rehabilitating degraded riparian systems. Recommendations are to plant vegetation of different growth habit, provide woody debris, plant Populus, Salix, and Prosopis of various ages and sizes, and to promote small mammal abundance.
Keywords:
Temporal Coverage:
2010-06-01 to 2010-08-30Geographic Coverage:
Geographic Description: Study Coverage AreaBounding Coordinates:
Longitude:-112.0785 to -111.6065
Latitude:+33.5598 to +33.4200
Contact:
Information Manager, Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State University,POB 875402,TEMPE
caplter.data@asu.edu
Methods used in producing this dataset: Show
Data Files (16) :
Tabular: Data on herpetiles encountered while performing visual surveys, and environmental conditions
Description: This table contains the data from the herpetofauna visual surveys. It includes all individuals encountered while surveying and their location. For every record, the data collected includes a brief description of the vegetation in the immediate vicinity, description of the substrate, and notes on the closest refuge. The table also describes the environmental conditions when performing the surveys.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_herp | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
survey_survey_id | survey_id from table survey: unique ID to survey. 1- first letter reach, 2-transect #, 3- round # (round 1 = 01) Example: T1-01 (Tonto transect 1, round 1) |
string | |
ID_herp_survey | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
survey_date | date of the survey |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observers | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
string | |
reach_id | which reach the survey was at |
string | |
transect_number | which transect it was |
string | |
seg_start | which segment we started the survey on |
string | None |
start_time | what time we started the survey |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
end_time | what time we ended the survey |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
rock_sun_start | temperature in Celsius of rocks in the sun at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
rock_sun_end | temperature in Celsius of rocks in the sun at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
rock_shade_start | temperature in Celsius of rocks in the shade at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
rock_shade_end | temperature in Celsius of rocks in the shade at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
ground_sun_start | temperature in Celsius of the ground in the sun at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
ground_sun_end | temperature in Celsius of the ground in the sun at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
ground_shade_start | temperature in Celsius of the ground in the shade at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
ground_shade_end | temperature in Celsius of the ground in the shade at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_start_10cm | temperature in Celsius at 10cm off the ground at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_end_10cm | temperature in Celsius at 10cm off the ground at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_start_50cm | temperature in Celsius at 50cm off the ground at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_end_50cm | temperature in Celsius at 50cm off the ground at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_start_100cm | temperature in Celsius at 100cm off the ground at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
temp_end_100cm | temperature in Celsius at 100cm off the ground at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
hum_start | relative humidity in % at the start of the survey |
double | dimensionless |
hum_end | relative humidity in % at the end of the survey |
double | dimensionless |
pressure_start | barometric pressure in HPa at the start of the survey |
double | hectorPascal |
pressure_end | barometric pressure in HPa at the end of the survey |
double | hectorPascal |
wind_chill_start | temperature in Celsius with wind chill at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
wind_chill_end | temperature in Celsius with wind chill at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
heat_index_start | temperature in Celsius with heat index at the start of the survey |
double | celsius |
heat_index_end | temperature in Celsius with heat index at the end of the survey |
double | celsius |
BFT_start | wind on Beaufort scale at the start of the survey |
integer | beaufort |
BFT_end | wind on Beaufort scale at the end of the survey |
integer | beaufort |
CC_start | cloud cover in % at the start of the survey, to closest 5% |
integer | dimensionless |
CC_end | cloud cover in % at the end of the survey, to closest 5% |
integer | dimensionless |
any_observation | indicate if yes or no herpetile were detected during this survey visit |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
thin_cloud_start | if box is checked, it indicates that the clouds was just a thin layer of cloud at the start of the survey |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
thin_cloud_end | if box is checked, it indicates that the clouds was just a thin layer of cloud at the end of the survey |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
note | relevant notes on weather conditions |
string | |
species | 4 letter code of the herp species. linked to table herp_species _codes |
integer | |
herp_species_name | scientific name of the species |
string | |
juvie | indicate if herpetile is a juvenile (if it was a juvenile, the box is checked) |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
time | time at which it was observed |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
substrate_temp | temperature of the substrate in degree Celsius |
double | celsius |
segment | segment in which the herp was observed (segment A, B or C. Segment A is closest to water, segment C is the furthest) |
string | None |
section | section of the segment the herp was observed (1 is closer to water, 2 is further. There is 2 sections in 1 segment) |
string | None |
veg_type | vegetation type (CB = cobble bar, MB = mesquite bosque, CW = cottonwood/willow forest) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg_type_description | other vegetation type description |
string | |
substrate_type | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
string | |
artificial_substrate | if the substrate was artificial, what was it |
string | |
veg_species_code_used | nickname of the vegetation encountered |
string | |
veg_genus | genus of the vegetation |
string | |
veg_species | species of the vegetaiton |
string | |
veg_species_code | 4 letter species code |
string | |
veg_description | description of the vegetation when applicable |
string | |
dead | indicate if veg where herpetile was observed was dead. The box is checked if vegetation was dead |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
circumference | in cm when herp observed on tree or snag. Circumference is from where the herpetile was located |
double | centimeter |
height_ground | height of herpetile from ground in cm |
integer | centimeter |
presence_burrow | if there was a burrow nearby the herp location |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
distance_burrow | distance to closest burrow in meters |
integer | meter |
location | if the herp was in the sun, or in the shade. If in the shade, was the shade provided by a shurb located at 0-10cm off ground, 10-50cm, 50-100cm, or shade provided by the overstroy (vegetation greater than 1m), or was the herp in the open |
string | |
shrub_refuge_type | what was the closest vegetation species for the herp to take refuge |
integer | |
shrub_refuge_distance | was the closest refuge at a distance between 0-1m, 1-3m, or 3-5m |
string | None |
other_refuge_type | was there another type of refuge (other than vegetation) nearby such as a debris pile |
string | |
other_refuge_distance | distance to closest other than vegetation refuge |
string | None |
note_original_location | notes on the location |
string | |
note_refuge | notes on the refuge |
string | |
note_other | any other notes |
string |
Tabular: Data on herpetiles encountered at random
Description: This table contains the data collected when a herpetile was encountered at random (i.e., not while performing the visual surveys). For every encounter, the herpetile species, its location, a brief description of the vegetation in the immediate vicinity, description of the substrate, and notes on the closest refuge were recorded.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_herp_random | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
rand_reach | which reach the observation was made at |
string | |
ID_random_visit_info | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
reach | reach |
string | |
visit_date | date of the visit |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observers | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
string | |
in_time | time entered area of concern (riparian area) |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
out_time | time exited area of concern (riparian area) |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
transect_start | at which transect the survey started |
string | None |
transect_end | at which transect the survey ended |
string | None |
segment_start | which segment the survey started |
string | None |
segment_end | which segment the survey ended |
string | None |
any_observation | was there any random observations made. Box was checked if yes |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
NOT_while_visSurvey | indicate when data recorded when NOT performing visual surveys (i.e. doing veg measurments, fixing transects, etc..) |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
note | relevant notes |
string | |
species_code | foriegn key to uniquely identify a record linked to herp_spp_codes table |
integer | |
herp_species_name | scientific name of the species |
string | |
juvie | indicate if herpetile is a juvenile. box is checked if it was a juvenile |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
time | time of the encounter |
datetime | Format: hh:mm:ss |
UTM_E | zone 12N |
string | |
UTM_N | zone 12N |
string | |
substrate_temp | temperature in Celsius of the substrate at location of herp when encountered |
double | celsius |
veg_type | type of vegetation where encountered |
string | |
us_doing | what was the observers doing when encountering the herp. Those random encounter where made outside of the surveys |
string | |
substrate_type | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
string | |
artificial_subs_type | if artificial substrate, what was it |
string | |
veg_species_code_used | nickname of the vegetation encountered |
string | |
veg_genus | genus of the vegetation |
string | |
veg_species | species of the vegetaiton |
string | |
veg_species_code | 4 letter species code |
string | |
veg_description | description of the vegetation when applicable |
string | |
dead | indicate if vegetation where herpetile was encountered was dead or not |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
circumference | in cm. Circumference of tree or snag at herpetile location |
double | centimeter |
height_ground | height of herpetile from ground in cm |
integer | centimeter |
presence_burrow | if there was a burrow nearby the herp |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
distance_burrow | distance to closest burrow |
integer | meter |
location | if the herp was in the sun, or in the shade. If in the shade, was the shade provided by a shurb located at 0-10cm off ground, 10-50cm, 50-100cm, or shade provided by the overstroy (vegetation greater than 1m), or was the herp in the open |
string | |
refuge_shrub_dist | was the closest refuge at a distance between 0-1m, 1-3m, or 3-5m |
string | None |
refuge_shrub_spp | was there another type of refuge (other than vegetation) nearby such as a debris pile |
integer | |
refuge_other_dist | distance to closest other than vegetation refuge |
string | None |
refuge_other_type | was there another type of refuge (other than vegetation) nearby such as a debris pile |
string | |
other_veg_type_description | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
string | |
note_original_location | notes on the location |
string | |
note_refuge | notes on the refuge |
string | |
note_other | any other notes |
string | |
within_15m | say yes if within 15m of transect middle line |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
distance_transect | distance in meters from transect middle line |
integer | meter |
which_transect_segment | note which transect and segment herpetile within 15m of |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, and debris pile
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected with the line-intercept method on debris piles.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | section of the segment data was recorded from |
string | None |
line_number | line where data was recorded from (line 1 was parallel to segment, line 2 was perpendicular) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
pile_description | description of the debris pile recorded. A " debris pile" was described as an aggregation of vegetation material of at least 10cm in height and 20cm in length |
string | |
avg_hgt | average height in cm of the pile |
double | centimeter |
start | line intercept start of the pile |
double | meter |
end | line intercept end of the pile |
double | meter |
total | "end" minus "start" which give the total amount of meters for the length of the pile |
double | meter |
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, as well as density and size of stems
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected within plots on the number of stems, and their size classification, of few vegetation species.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_stem | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | section on which data was recorded |
string | None |
veg_species_code_used | nickname of the vegetation encountered |
string | |
veg_genus | genus of the vegetation |
string | |
veg_species | species of the vegetaiton |
string | |
veg_species_code | 4 letter species code |
string | |
veg_description | description of the vegetation when applicable |
string | |
size | see "veg_line_intercept_spp" for information on size |
string |
Enumeration:
|
number_stems | number of stems counted |
integer | |
Dead | box is checked when the stem was dead |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, as well as ground cover and woody debris
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected with the point-intercept method on ground cover and woody debris.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_point | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | number of the section data was recorded from |
string | None |
point_number | point 0 to 9 are in section 1, point 10 to 19 are in section 2 |
string | |
ground_cover_type | type of ground cover at the point number (Rd=road, T=trail, B=bare ground/soil, L=litter and woody twigs of less than 1cm, W=woody debris of >1cm |
string |
Enumeration:
|
depth_cm | data recorded only when ground cover type is W or L and represent the depth of W or L in cm |
double | centimeter |
soil_type | data recorded only when ground cover type is Rd, T or B (M/S=mud/silt, S=sand, G=gravel, C=cobble, B=boulder, BR=bedrock, A=artificial, AL=algae) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
if_artificial | describe "artificial" if the substrate type is artificial |
string | |
daubenmire_classcover | data recorded for point 0, 5, 10, 15 only. Daubenmire scale class cover for ground cover: 0=not present, 1= greater than 1%, 2=1-5%, 3=5-25%, 4=25-50%, 5=50-75%, 6=75-95%, 7=95-100% |
string |
Enumeration:
|
overstory_average | data for point 5 and 15 only. Data reflects overstory %cover |
integer | dimensionless |
woody_A | data for point 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 only. It shows the number of woody debris along 1m (starting at point 0, 2, etc) of size A (1-2.5cm) |
integer | |
woody_B | data for point 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 only. It shows the number of woody debris along 1m (starting at point 0, 2, etc) of size B (2.5-7.5cm) |
integer | |
woody_C | data for point 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 only. It shows the number of woody debris along 1m (starting at point 0, 2, etc) of size C (>7.5cm) |
integer | |
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, and "open" areas
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected with the line-intercept method on areas characterized as “open”. An area was considered “open” when it was free of vegetation from the ground, up to 1m in height.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_line_open | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | section of the segment data on "open" was recorded from. "open" was described as an area free of vegetation of less than 1m in height. "open" did not include ground cover and did not include trees greater than 1m (overstory) |
string | None |
line_number | line where data was recorded from (line 1 was parallel to segment, line 2 was perpendicular) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
start | line intercept start of the "open" |
double | meter |
end | line intercept end of the "open" |
double | meter |
total | "end" minus "start" which give the total amount of meters for the length of the open |
double | meter |
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, as well as trees and shrubs cover
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected with the line-intercept method on the amount of meters each trees and shrubs species are covering.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_line_spp | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | section on which data was recorded from |
string | None |
line_number | line where data was recorded from (line 1 was parallel to segment, line 2 was perpendicular) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
veg_species_code_used | nickname of the vegetation encountered |
string | |
veg_genus | genus of the vegetation |
string | |
veg_species | species of the vegetaiton |
string | |
veg_species_code | 4 letter species code |
string | |
veg_description | description of the vegetation when applicable |
string | |
size | size of the species (tree shrub size recorded at 20cm: A= less than 1m tall, B=>1m tall, diameter of largest stem less than 2.5cm, C= greater than 1m tall, diameter of largest stem 2.5-7.5cm, D= greater than 1m tall, diameter of largest stem 7.5-30cm, E= greater than 1m tall, diameter of largest stem greater than 30cm |
string |
Enumeration:
|
start | line intercept start of the vegetation |
double | meter |
end | line intercept end of the vegetation |
double | meter |
dead? | box is checked if the vegetation was dead |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
total | "end" minus "start" which give the total amount of meters for the length of the vegetation. |
double | meter |
xtra_note_on_size_of_species | [size cont description: Tree size recorded at 1.3m(dbh): A= less than 1m tall, B= greater than 1m tall, dbh less than 5cm, C=>1m tall, dbh 5-10cm, D=>1m tall, dbh 10-30cm, E=>1m tall, dbh>30cm |
string | |
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, and list of vegetation present within each segment
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains a list of vegetation species present within each segment.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_plot_spp | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
veg_species_code_used | nickname of the vegetation encountered |
string | |
veg_genus | genus of the vegetation |
string | |
veg_species | species of the vegetaiton |
string | |
veg_species_code | 4 letter species code |
string | |
veg_description | description of the vegetation when applicable |
string | |
size | see notes in table "veg_line"intercept_spp" |
string |
Enumeration:
|
Dead | the box is checked when the vegetation species was dead |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Tabular: UTMs, elevation, burrows, predators, as well as roads and trails
Description: The table contains information on each segment such as UTMs, elevation, amount of burrows, and presence of predators. In addition, it contains information collected with the line-intercept method on the amount of meters covered by roads and trails along each segment.
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
id_veg_general | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_date | date the vegetation measurment were performed |
datetime | Format: MM/DD/YYYY |
observer | name of the person performing the measurments |
string | |
recorder | name of the person recording the measurments |
string | |
reach | what reach the data was recorded from |
string | |
transect_number | transect number |
string | None |
segment | segment letter |
string | None |
ID_veg_line_rd | Missing Documentation, contact CAPLTER's Information Manager for further details |
integer | |
veg_unique_ID | reach, transect #, segment |
string | |
section_number | section on which data was recorded from |
string | None |
line_number | line where data was recorded from (line 1 was parallel to segment, line 2 was perpendicular) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
Rd_type | substrate of the road/trail that was recorded (S=sand, G=gravel, C=cobble, MS=mud/silt, paved, etc) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
start | line intercept start of the road |
double | meter |
end | line intercept end of the road |
double | meter |
total | "end" minus "start" which give the total amount of meters for the length of the road. |
double | meter |
transect_bearing | bearing of the direction of the transect (bearing taken from the river toward the end of the transect) |
integer | |
general_veg | general vegetation of the segment (CB=cobble bar, CW=cottonwood willow forest, MB=mesquite bosque) |
string |
Enumeration:
|
other_veg | description of general vegetation type if other than CB, CW, and MB |
string | |
stake_UTM_E | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
stake_UTM_N | UTM zone 12, NAD83 |
string | |
altitude | altitude of the segment in feet |
integer | foot |
presence_burrow | if the box is checked, it indicated that there was burrows along the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
number_burrow | number of burrows observed along the segment |
integer | dimensionless |
presence_predator | if the box is checked, a herp predator was observed in the close vicinity of the segment |
boolean |
Enumeration:
|
predator_type | description of the predator observed |
string | |
notes | relevant notes |
string |
Spatial Vector: Vector transects (24) along the Salt River, CAPLTER, Arizona
Description: The start and end location of 24 transects established at three reaches (Wildland Reach, Urban Rehabilitated, or Urban Disturbed)along the Salt River, Arizona.
Horizontal Coordinate System:
Geometry Type: LinearRing
Column | Description | Type | Units |
---|---|---|---|
FID | Internal feature number. |
||
Shape | Feature geometry. |
||
StartX | StartX (X UTM Coordinate of starting point) |
||
StartY | StartY (Y UTM Coordinate of starting point) |
||
EndX | EndX (X UTM Coordinate of ending point) |
||
EndY | EndY (Y UTM Coordinate of ending point) |
||
Zone | Zone (Wildland Reach, Urban Rehabilitated, or Urban Disturbed) |
File: Figure 1, schematic of transect
Description: Schematic of transect and segment locations relative to river and riparian zone. Eight transects spaced at least 150 m apart were randomly established at three selected reaches along the Salt River, Arizona. Transects started at the water’s edge, ran perpendicular to the stream, and spanned one side of the riparian zone. To keep effort consistent between transects, three 10-m wide by 20-m long segments were established along each transect. Segments were established in a stratified random fashion; when possible, one segment was established on the cobble bar, one segment in the Populus and Salix forest association, and one segment in the higher floodplain terraces where Prosopis woodland occur. Herpetofauna visual surveys and quantification of microhabitat variables were performed within each segment (total of 72 segments). Image dimensions: 397x357.
File: Appendix E, pre-determined schematic for transect
Description: Segment (10-m wide by 20-m long) schematic depicting pre-determined locations to quantify microhabitat variables used to describe herpetofauna abundance and occurrence. Eight transects were established at three reaches along the Salt River, Arizona (total of 24 transects). Three 10-m wide by 20-m long segments were established along each transect (total of 72 segments). Appendix D describes microhabitat variables quantified within each segment along with method used. Daubenmire plot locations ( 3 sided box ), lines used to perform the line-intercept ( line ), and points used for the point-intercept ( circle ) are depicted. Image dimensions: 761x911.
File: Appendix A, map of the study
Description: Map of the study area depicting location of three selected reaches which differ in terms of rehabilitation effort and urbanization along the Salt River, Arizona.uantification of microhabitat variables were performed within each segment (total of 72 segments). Image dimensions: 988x848.
File: Photograph 1, wildland reach
Description: Photo representing the wildland reach, one of three reaches selected to perform herpetofauna visual surveys and to quantify microhabitat along the Salt River, Arizona. This reach is located approximately five miles from closest city boundary and has recovered from previous disturbance.
File: Photograph 2, urban rehabililitated reach
Description: Photo representing the urban rehabilitated reach, one of three reaches selected to perform herpetofauna visual surveys and to quantify microhabitat along the Salt River, Arizona. This reach is located in an urban setting. Within the last ten years, rehabilitation activities such as garbage removal, terraces and low flow channel creation, as well as native southwestern riparian vegetation planting occurred.
File: Photograph 3, urban disturbed reach
Description: Photo representing the urban disturbed reach, one of three reaches selected to perform herpetofauna visual surveys and to quantify microhabitat along the Salt River, Arizona. This highly disturbed reach is located in an urban setting and has lost most of the riparian vegetation.