Effects of Multiple Stressors on Aquatic Communities in the Prairie Pothole Region

Abstract

The prairie potholes wetlands of the Great Plains comprise some of the most ecologically valuable freshwater resources of the nation, but they are also exceptionally vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors, particularly those associated with agricultural land use practices. They are also considered likely to be severely impacted by climate change. In this study we have quantified relationships among stressors associated with climate, agricultural land use and amphibian communities throughout much of the prairie pothole region.