By observing the distribution of tadpoles of
Rana chaochiaoensis
within its habitat, the distribution frequency of tadpoles in different stages under different vegetation coverage, water depth and temperature was calculated and analyzed. The results showed that tadpoles of development Stage I and II tend to select areas with vegetation coverage of 41%-70%, but selection of vegetation coverage is not obvious by Stage III. Only tadpoles of Stage II tend to select areas of 0.11-0.30 m water depth. Tadpoles of Stages I and III do not obviously select for water depth, and there were no tadpoles of Stage III in areas deeper than 0.31 m. As tadpoles mature, selection of water depth gradually changes to a preference for shallow water from Stage I to III. Tadpoles of Stage I and II tend to select areas of water temperature between 19-25° C. Selection of water temperature is not obvious in tadpoles of Stage III, and there were no tadpoles of Stage III in areas of 8-13° C.
