Assessing the Hibernation Ecology of the Endangered Amphibian, Pelophylax chosenicus Using PIT Tagging Method

The Gold-spotted pond frog (<i>Pelophylax chosenicus</i> (Okada, 1931)), classified as an endangered species in South Korea, has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss, primarily driven by agricultural expansion and urbanization. This study aimed to assess the hibernation ecology of <i>P. chosenicus</i> using PIT tagging technology, focusing on its hibernation behavior, environmental conditions, and implications for conservation and restoration. Over a three-year period (2021-2024), PIT tags were implanted in 408 frogs, enabling continuous monitoring of hibernation sites and individual characteristics. The results revealed that hibernation depths ranged from 1 to 23 cm, with deeper burrowing observed during colder months, indicating a temperature-dependent survival strategy. The soil temperature at hibernation sites remained consistently higher than ambient air temperature, suggesting an adaptive mechanism to avoid freezing conditions. Additionally, frogs exhibited a strong preference for hibernation sites near water bodies, where soil moisture levels were high, highlighting the importance of preserving suitable microhabitats for successful overwintering. These findings provide valuable insights into the hibernation ecology of <i>P. chosenicus</i> and are critical for guiding effective habitat restoration initiatives. Future research should investigate physiological adaptations to varying hibernation environments and the potential impacts of climate change may impact the survival of this endangered species.