Using the behavior of seven amphibian species for the design of banks of irrigation and drainage systems in Taiwan

The construction of concrete banks has become a serious threat to irrigation and drainage systems in Taiwan, affecting many species that live in these banks, including amphibians. Currently, there are no design solutions in Taiwan for restoration of the banks that are based on solid scientific information. This research assesses the habitats and behavioral characteristics of seven amphibian species in order to learn how to better manage irrigation and drainage banks. This study evaluated the amphibians' motility on five different bank slopes, and documented the relationship between species' climbing abilities, the surface substrates of banks, and seasonal variations in weather conditions. The results showed that even species in the same family or with similar body size differ in their behavioral performance. The experimental results of this study can aid technicians in future engineering projects that involve irrigation and drainage banks in Taiwan and around the world. The results from this study also serve to promote amphibian conservation.