Movement patterns and habitat use within the home range of the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) prior to hibernation

By

Park, Seung-Min
Rahman, Md. Mizanur
Ham, Choong-Ho
Park, Su-Wan
Kang, Hee-Jin
Sung, Ha-Cheol

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-4-15

Original Publication

Herpetozoa

Volume

38

Pages

77--85

Subjects

conservation and management , habitat preference , movement ability , non-breeding period , radiotelemetry

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e141683

 

Abstract

Understanding the movement patterns and home range of a species is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. However, research on these aspects in the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans) in South Korea remains limited, highlighting the need for further study. This study used radiotelemetry to examine the movement patterns and home range characteristics of B. gargarizans, aiming to enhance ecological understanding and inform conservation efforts. Our findings revealed that immobility (0 m) was the most frequently observed behavior among individuals. Excluding instances of immobility, individuals’ movement ability was 32.1 ± 51.0 m (N = 131, range: 0.1–360.9 m). Home range size, estimated using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method, was 2,484.0 ± 4,461.0 m² (N = 24, range: 40.7–20,644.9 m²), representing the general movement area of B. gargarizans. The kernel density estimation (KDE) method estimates 55,004.9 ± 113,702.5 m² (N = 24, range: 425.9–491,232.2 m²), representing the potential buffer zone within which B. gargarizans may move. Regardless of the analysis method or sex, over 50% of habitats consisted of grass, while approximately 20% was used areas. Although no significant differences in movement patterns or home range size were observed between sexes, males were primarily distributed at lower altitudes near breeding sites, whereas females were distributed at higher altitudes around valley areas. These findings provide crucial baseline data for the conservation and management of B. gargarizans populations in South Korea.