Dispersal of Recently Metamorphosed Leopard Frogs, Rana pipiens

A study of dispersal movements of newly metamorphosed leopard frogs from their natal ponds was made in two ecologically distinct areas. Movements of young emerging from a small marsh in a pasture appeared to be radial, approximately equal numbers moving in all directions, but the travel of many young leaving two beach pools tended to be funneled in one direction along a lake shore. At least a few animals appeared to leave the ponds on almost every night after emergence, but mass emigrations were generally associated with warm, rainy weather. The young frogs traveled commonly up to 800 m in 2-3 days. A few were known to have established their adult residences as much as 5 km from their pond of origin.