One of 11 projects chosen nationally to receive funds under the NBS State Partnership Program in 1995, the partnership includes two state agencies, five federal agencies, two universities and numerous nongovernmental organizations. The NBS is committed to helping state and federal agencies meet their goals by providing sound, credible scientific information to those who make decisions. This partnership is an excellent approach to evaluating the status and trends of amphibians in the State of Tennessee.
Amphibians are excellent indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.
Pulliam said that conclusive and accessible information on their trends will provide valuable information to management agencies as well as clues to national and global amphibian declines. The Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program will link with a broad effort led by the NBS to develop consistent national methods for the monitoring of frogs, toads and salamanders. Pulliam said that database development, data accessibility, and habitat enhancement will be greatly facilitated through the partnership. Several products will result from the study. A database of species information and environmental conditions will be generated and continuously updated.