AboutRichard Ochs Expertise I can answer questions regarding basic ecology (grade
school through high school). I can also answer some
college level questions as long as they aren't extremely technical.
Experience I had been a Park Ranger/Naturalist at Grand Teton National Park for 3 summers. Prior to that I was a naturalist for 4 summers at Cattus Island County Park in New Jersey. I also graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Natural Resource Management.
Education/Credentials BS in Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University, with honors.
Awards and Honors Philip Alampi Scholar, Moorestown Rotary Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society member.
Expert: Richard Ochs Date: 12/24/2007 Subject: lake ecology
Question Dear Mr. Ochs:
My family and I live on a small (45 acre) pond in New York State. The lake was originally a meadow, dammed in 1928, and has been a pond ever since. For whatever reason, the recent caretakers of the lake have taken to reducing the water level between 24-30" every winter by letting water out of the dam. My concern is for the amphibian life that I believe hibernates in the mud. Am I right in assuming the annual lowering of the water level may be partly responsible for the recent loss of frogs and turtles in the lake? The average lake depth is only 4 feet. Thank you,
Mark
Answer Hey Mark,
Good question. I think that the bigger issue would be the loss of habitat. As the pond level decreases, so does the habitat. The more shallow the pond, the warmer the water and the fewer fish may be able to survive there. Also, the lower the pond level, the less habitat there is overall.
As far as the ice is concerned, turtles that hibernate (although I'm not a reptile expert, I believe it's called torpor) beneath the ice have a distinct advantage: they are going to be invulnerable to many predators. Most residents of the pond that can stay awake in the winter can't get to the turtles. If the turtles are forced to burrow and hibernate above the ice, predators such as raccoons or foxes can easily dig them up during this vulnerable time and make a meal out of them.
