Abstract
Pseudis minuta is abundant in a variety of aquatic environments of the Pampa domain. Therefore, it can be considered a good model for testing hypotheses on environmental heterogeneity and the influence of climate on the activity of anurans. In this study, we examined the spatial distribution pattern of P. minuta in terms of microhabitats and the influence of abiotic factors on seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of this species. Samples were collected monthly from April 2008 to May 2009 in wetlands and coastal dunes in the Lagoa do Peixe National Park. A total of 112 specimens of P. minuta were collected, of which 45 were found in the wetland area and 67 in the dune area. The species showed seasonal fluctuation in abundance, and it was most abundant in months with higher temperatures (spring-summer). Pseudis minuta was mainly associated with aquatic vegetation, an expected pattern in terms of their morphological adaptations to this environment. Among the abiotic parameters analyzed, only the monthly mean temperature showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05; r = 0.67) with the abundance of P. minuta. We concluded that P. minuta is a generalist species with respect to microhabitat use and also that fluctuation in its population abundance is mainly associated with seasonal variation in temperature.
Highlights
Weather conditions and habitat heterogeneity play a major role in the reproductive activities and distribution patterns of amphibians (Vasconcelos and Rossa-Feres, 2005, 2008)
In view of these hypotheses, we investigated the patterns of activity and microhabitat use of Pseudis minuta Günther, 1858 in the “Lagoa do Peixe” National Park, a poorly investigated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a subtropical region (31° S) of southern Brazil
Present results indicate that P. minuta was more abundant during the warmer conditions occurring during the austral spring, summer and early autumn
Summary
Weather conditions and habitat heterogeneity play a major role in the reproductive activities and distribution patterns of amphibians (Vasconcelos and Rossa-Feres, 2005, 2008). The predominance of open habitats (e.g., grasslands) associated with the temporary ponds very often found in southern Brazil would encourage habitat generalist species In view of these hypotheses, we investigated the patterns of activity and microhabitat use of Pseudis minuta Günther, 1858 in the “Lagoa do Peixe” National Park, a poorly investigated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in a subtropical region (31° S) of southern Brazil. 2) Pseudis minuta is a habitat generalist This hypothesis is suggested by the observation that anuran species occurring in open areas tend to show environmental plasticity, whereas most anurans inhabiting forests are adapted to live in particular microhabitats (Brasileiro et al, 2005)
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