Impact of rice and bean harvests on the Suweon Treefrog (Dryophytes suweonensis)

Numerous amphibian species are currently restricted to breeding in agricultural landscapes, although the impact of agricultural techniques, such as harvesting, are not yet determined. In the Republic of Korea, the Suweon Treefrog (Dryophytes suweonensis) is restricted to breeding in rice paddies. In fall, numerous individuals are found on cultivated bean plants, on the edges of rice paddies. In this study, we conducted repeated surveys at four sites during the brumation period, from late September to the first freeze, to determine the relation between the abundance of individuals and harvests of bean and rice crops. We found that the rice and bean harvests had a significant negative effect on the number of adults present at sites, while it only was a trends for juveniles. We consequently recommend the delay of rice and bean harvests until after the first freeze at site where D. suweonensis occurs.