“Reproductive Ecology of Narrow mouthed frog Microhyla ornata”

Abstract

: Reproductive ecology of Narrow mouthed frog Microhyla ornata was studied at selected breeding sites around Dharwad, Karnataka India during the wet periods between May 2017 and December 2018. The breeding activity varied depending upon the amount of rainfall. It was higher during monsoon when there was higher rainfall, whereas, when rainfall was scanty less activity was observed. Males begin the calling activity in the evening after the sunset at 1098min reaching its peak at around 1200min and extend till the early morning of the next day. Gravid females arrive at the breeding site one to one and half hour after the calling was initiated in the early pre-monsoon and monsoon period and amplexus took place soon after the arrival of females within one hour during peak calling days. Size assorted matting was observed in M. ornata and showed significant positive correlation. The female body size was positive correlation with clutch size. However, there was no significant correlation between female body size and egg size. Breeding activity of M. ornata spanning for seven months suggest that, this species is a prolonged breeder. The eggs and larvae of M. ornata were under constant threat by the predatory larva of the aquatic insects like Dragonfly and Water beetle. Few clutches during non rainy period faced the risk of desiccation. The breeding sites of many anurans are affected by urbanization and habitat fragmentation. There is a need to adopt the strategy to conserve the habitats to protect the species.