Age, Growth, and Homing in the Bullfrog
1963; Wiley; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/3797785
ISSN1937-2817
AutoresLeonard Durham, George W. Bennett,
Tópico(s)Amphibian and Reptile Biology
ResumoA study of the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) at a 17-acre east-central Illinois lake revealed large fluctuations in numbers of frogs over two 4-year periods. The smallest number of bullfrogs caught, marked, and released in a single year was 15; the largest number was 93. The average total length of bullfrogs 2 years after metamorphosis was 12.1 inches. No significant difference in rate of growth between males and females was detected. Females had a higher average index of condition than males. Both males and females demonstrated homing behavior-females more than males and large frogs more than small frogs. The bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) is hunted by at least a few persons wherever it is plentiful in Illinois. It is the only frog that in most parts of the Midwest is con- sidered large enough for table use. Com- mon in most Illinois counties, it is plentiful in or near many farm ponds, natural and artificial lakes, and sluggish rivers and streams. Although adults of this species are usually widely scattered, during the breeding season they are gregarious and may be found in groups. Legal permission to take bullfrogs is obtained with the purchase of an Illinois fishing license. To protect bullfrogs from overexploitation, the Illinois General As- sembly established a closed season. At the present time, it is unlawful to take bull- frogs except during the open season: June 15 to August 31, both dates inclusive; the possession limit is eight frogs. Firearms, airguns, and gas guns are illegal for the hunting of bullfrogs. Relatively few studies have been made on the ecology and life history of the bull- frog. Wright (1914:77-86) wrote a de- tailed life history of the bullfrogs in the
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