Subject: Re:tadpoles
Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000 14:55:18 -0400
From: dana.kinsman@mnr.gov.on.ca
To: mberezow@sympatico.ca
CC: tim.haxton@mnr.gov.on.ca, dave.johnson@mnr.gov.on.ca

Mike,

I have received replies from Tim Haxton and from Mike Berrill ( a professor
at Trent University).

- the size of the tadpoles would indicate that these are the result of
previous years (both bullfrogs and green frogs stay in the tadpole stage for
at least 2 years)

- the numbers are probably a result of ideal breeding conditions from past
years

- there is a naturally high mortality of tadpoles, they feed on algae and
other organic matter including carrion

- amphibians are explosive breeders, meaning they will have some years of
high production

Mike, if you are willing to pick up a couple of the dead tadpoles and place
them in a ziplock bag or something and freeze them I will arrange to pick
them up and Tim Haxton is willing to take a look at them.

I am willing to drop in next week on Thursday, August 10, 2000 (I will need
directions) if you are around to try to ID the tadpoles as to whether they
are green frogs or bull frogs.  I could also pick up the tadpole samples at
that time.  Both Tim and Mike Berrill are interested in what is happening
and I am quite happy to help out, as I am very interested as well.

Thanks and enjoy your weekend.

Dana Kinsman
Area Biologist
705-286-5226