Using ecological barriers for the conservation of frogs along roads

Due to the fragmentation of biological habitats by road construction, a large population of frogs are killed by cars every year when they cross the roads to aquatic areas for spawning. Ecological barriers can guide frogs to the ecological corridor and cross the road without casualties. This study investigated the effectiveness of using ecological barriers in the conservation of native frogs, while barring exotic amphibian, Polypedates megacephalus. The height and slope adjustment of ecological barriers were also proposed for references. Samples of Bufo melanostictus, Rana limnocharis, Rana guentheri, and Polypedates megacephalus were collected to record their weights, body lengths, jump lengths, jump heights, barrier heights, and angles. According to the results on the barrier effect of the barriers, P. megacephalus and R. guentheri can jump at a distance of 30-40 cm from the barriers. R. limnocharis and B. melanostictus can jump at a distance of 5-15 cm from the barriers. Regarding the barriers angle for preventing crossing, R. limnocharis and P. megacephalus have no ability to cling at a 65° angle; R. guentheri has no ability to cling at a 90° angle, due to its huge body and lack of suckers. B. melanostictus has no ability to cling at a 25° angle, due to its strong toes and small body. The findings can serve as a reference for ecological conservation on amphibians and inhibition of the P. megacephalus population.