A simple design feature to increase hydro-period in constructed ephemeral wetlands to avoid tadpole desiccation-induced mortality

Here, we identify an easily implemented wetland design feature that can prolong tadpole survival of the threatened Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). We observed small depressions that naturally formed within some wetlands following the construction of habitat for this species. We observed that wetlands containing depressions prolonged the survival of Green and Golden Bell Frog tadpoles during periods of rapid wetland drying whereas wetlands that did not contain depressions in the same circumstances dried, causing 100% mortality in tadpoles present. We recommend that this concept be considered as a design feature in future wetland construction for Green and Golden Bell Frog and other ephemeral wetland breeding amphibians and we provide commentary on how the benefits of this feature can be maximised. This simple design feature may be important for amphibian restoration, particularly considering climate change.