The Effects of Acidity on the Development and Hatching of New Jersey Frogs

The anuran populations of the New Jersey pine barrens are restricted in variety of species in comparison with those of adjacent areas. The water in typical sphagnaceous breeding habitats in the pine barrens is clear but strongly tea colored, and is acid (average pH between 4.0 and 4.3) with pH values ranging between 3.6 and 5.2. Embryonic tolerances for acid water varied in the eleven species tested. The acidity of bog water in the New Jersey pine barrens may be a limiting factor in the distribution of anurans. 17 references, 1 figure.