Amphibian acoustic data from the Arizona 1, Pinenut, and Canyon breccia pipe uranium mines in Arizona.

USGS is currently conducting biological surveys associated with uranium mines on federal lands in Arizona. These surveys include determining the composition of the local amphibian community at Canyon, Arizona 1, and Pinenut mines near the Grand Canyon. To aid in determining the amphibian species present at each mine site, we used acoustic monitoring recorded with a SM3Song Meter (Wildlife Acoustics 2017). The Song Meters were established at the periphery of each mine location. At the Canyon mine, the Song Meter was placed on a large pine tree approximately 2 m above the ground at the SW corner of the outer mine boundary (35 52' 54.66" N, 112 05' 47.46" W, elev. 1984m), 34 m from the outer edge of the holding pond liner and 45 m from the water's edge. At AZ-1, the Song Meter was placed on two metal fence posts approximately 1 m above the ground at the NW corner of the outer mine boundary (36 30' 33.20" N, 112 48' 22.53" W, elev. 1660m), 12 m from the outer edge of the holding pond liner and 21 m from the water's edge. At Pinenut, we also placed the Song Meter on two metal fence posts, approximately 1 m above the ground at the NE corner of the outer mine boundary (36 30' 15.66" N, 112 43' 53.38" W, elev. 1660m), 4 m from outer edge of holding pond liner and 12 m from the water's edge. We used range maps and species descriptions to determine the potential species possible at each location. For each species of frog or toad (anurans) that could occur at the monitored locations, we acquired sample calls to use for comparison against vocalizations recorded at the mine sites. To confirm our identifications, we also inquired with 2 regional experts. We used Song Scope 4.1.5 to examine audio recordings using a mix of visual scans of spectrograms and by listening to the audio. During each recording we estimated the length in seconds and proximity of the vocalization for each amphibian species detected. We provided length of vocalizations because it provides more information than the simple presence or absence of a call. To describe the relative proximity of vocalizations to the Song Meter, we qualified the calls as very far, far, mid-distance, near, and very near based on the relative decibel levels among vocalizations across all recordings. For each recording we noted the audible weather conditions (calm, windy, or rain), the presence of avian calls, and the presence of audio interference from machines and other noises. We also recorded the presence of calling insects because these sounds may have interfered with detection of faint or distant amphibian vocalizations.