Why are Vernal Pools Important?
Vernal pools provide habitat for many species of wildlife. Certain species are specifically adapted for life in a vernal pool and cannot complete their lifecycle without a vernal pool. Many of these species cannot withstand predation by fish and require a fish-free environment to survive. The disappearance of vernal pools and associated upland habitat areas would result in the extirpation of vernal pool-dependent species. All four amphibian species listed as rare in Massachusetts use vernal pools. In addition, two state-listed turtle species and three state-listed crustaceans use vernal pools.
