Factors Influencing Occupancy of Breeding Ponds in a Montane Amphibian Assemblage

Abstract

We analyzed relationships between presence and absence of seven amphibian species and characteristics of breeding ponds (physical, vegetation, substrate, spatial and surrounding habitat variables) at a protected montane area in Central Spain. We used classification trees for description and prediction of amphibian selection of breeding sites. Some factors identified in our models represent general preferences of the species, whereas others are consistent with demographic processes, including recent expansions and local declines of some species, that had been previously detected in the area. We discuss implications of a detailed knowledge of local habitat determinants for conservation.