Anuran Diversity Research Articles

Effects of Oil‐Palm Plantations on Diversity of Tropical Anurans

Agriculturally altered vegetation, especially oil-palm plantations, is rapidly increasing in Southeast Asia. Low species diversity is associated with this commodity, but data on anuran diversity in oil-palm plantations are lacking. We investigated how anuran biological diversity differs between forest and oil-palm plantation, and whether observed differences in biological diversity of these areas is linked to specific environmental factors. We hypothesized that biological diversity is lower in plantations and that plantations support a larger proportion of disturbance-tolerant species than forest. We compared species richness, abundance, and community composition between plantation and forest areas and between site types within plantation and forest (forest stream vs. plantation stream, forest riparian vs. plantation riparian, forest terrestrial vs. plantation terrestrial). Not all measures of biological diversity differed between oil-palm plantations and secondary forest sites. Anuran community composition, however, differed greatly between forest and plantation, and communities of anurans in plantations contained species that prosper in disturbed areas. Although plantations supported large numbers of breeding anurans, we concluded the community consisted of common species that were of little conservation concern (commonly found species include Fejervarya limnocharis, Microhyla heymonsi, and Hylarana erythrea). We believe that with a number of management interventions, oil-palm plantations can provide habitat for species that dwell in secondary forests.

Diversity and associations between coastal habitats and anurans in southernmost Brazil

This study aimed to verify the relationship between habitat and the composition of anuran species in dune and restinga habitats in southernmost Brazil. The habitats were sampled between April 2009 and March 2010 using pitfalls with drift fence. We have captured 13,508 individuals of 12 anuran species. Species richness was lower in the dunes and dominance was higher in the resting. Apparently the less complex plant cover, water availability, and wide daily thermal variation in dunes act as an environmental filter for frogs. This hypothesis is reinforced by the fact that the most abundant species (Physalaemus biligonigerus and Odonthoprynus maisuma) bury themselves in the sand, minimizing these environmental stresses. Despite being in the Pampa biome, the studied community was more similar to those of coastal restinga environment of southeast Brazil than with other of the Pampa biome. The number of recorded species is similar to those observed in other open habitats in Brazil, showing the importance of adjacent ones to the shoreline for the maintenance of the diversity of anurans in southernmost Brazil.

Microhabitat use byHyla japonicaandPelophylax porosa brevipodaat Levees in Rice Paddy Areas of Japan

In Japan, rice paddies have acted as substitute habitats for pond-breeding frogs. However, frog populations are declining due to the loss of habitat and environmental changes in rice paddy areas. Frogs need both aquatic and terrestrial habitats to complete their life history; in rice paddy areas, levees that surround rice paddies provide terrestrial habitats for basking, foraging, and shelter from predators. Studying microhabitat use at levees is important to elucidating the ecological roles of levees and to properly managing them to support frog populations. In this study, we conducted surveys in lowland modernized rice paddy areas in Shiga Prefecture in which a common species, Hyla japonica, and an endangered species, Pelophylax porosa brevipoda, were found. We captured frogs at levees and recorded environmental factors related to levee vegetation, rice paddy conditions, and weather. We constructed generalized linear mixed models to examine the effects of environmental factors on juvenile and adult H. japonica and on small and large juveniles, females, and males of P. p. brevipoda. Our results showed distinct microhabitat uses at levees in different species, sexes, and body sizes. In general, abundance was high at levees with vegetation that provided shelter. The water depth in rice paddies negatively influenced juvenile H. japonica and large juvenile and small female P. p. brevipoda, and positively influenced small male P. p. brevipoda. The maintenance of a mosaic structure of levees was important not only to support frog populations but also to maintain frog diversity in the area.

Phylogeny and phylogeography of Mantophryne (Anura: Microhylidae) reveals cryptic diversity in New Guinea

New Guinea is one of five high biodiversity wilderness areas, and frog diversity is exceptionally large, with more than 400 species described to date. The microhylid frog genus Mantophryne is endemic to New Guinea and consists of four species, three of which have narrow geographic distributions and a fourth, M. lateralis, with a broad range that spans the eastern half of the island. Here, we sequence 104 Mantophryne samples for three mitochondrial and three nuclear loci to reconstruct the first phylogeny of the genus and to examine spatial patterns of diversity within M. lateralis. Results indicate that the wide-ranging M. lateralis is composed of at least nine geographically separated and well-supported lineages that represent putative species. Biogeographic analysis suggests that Mantophryne evolved on the eastern Papuan peninsula with subsequent dispersal westward, as well as overwater dispersal events to the Louisiade and D’Entrecasteaux archipelagos.

Anuran diversity (Amphibia, Anura) in a Seasonal Forest fragment in southern Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is the home to a diverse and threatened fauna of amphibians. However, knowledge on these species is still scarce to many of its ecosystems, such as the Seasonal Forest. This study was aimed at determining the diversity of anurans in Parque Estadual Fritz Plaumann (PEFP), located in the municipality of Concórdia, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. The PEFP comprises 741 ha, and is the only Conservation Unit of Seasonal Forest in Santa Catarina state. From August 2010 to July 2011 we surveyed frogs fortnightly during four to ten days, from sunset until approximately midnight. Active, audio and visual searches were carried out at breeding sites and favorable areas to meet the species. The sampling effort of the survey was evaluated with species accumulation curve considering the field expeditions as sample units. The species composition of PEFP was compared with 16 other different vegetal formations of the Atlantic Forest biome through similarity analysis. Twenty-three species were recorded. The accumulation curve approached an asymptote, indicating that most species of the area were observed. Most species were observed in lentic habitats of open areas. The anuran species composition of PEFP was similar to other areas of Mixed Ombrophile Forest and Seasonal Forest in southern region. Although PEFP comprised a relatively small area, the occurrence of habitat specialists, endangered amphibians that dependent on the forest, indicates the importance of this area for the conservation of the regional fauna. The continuation of long-term standardized studies is needed to monitor the population dynamics of recorded species and support alternative management practices, aiming at the conservation of anurans at the Seasonal Forest.

Diversity and distribution of anurans in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), northern Western Ghats of India

In global consequences of rapidly changing climate and increased amphibian population decline, mapping amphibian diversity in biodiversity hotspots is essential. In this study we have systematically studied anurans of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in terms of species diversity, population structure, threat status and distribution. We recorded a total of 22 anuran species, of which 11 species are endemic to Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Family Dicroglossidae was found to be more species-rich. Spatial and temporal variation in anuran diversity was observed by using Shannon diversity and evenness indices. Most of the endemic and threatened anuran species are found to be associated with evergreen undisturbed forest patches. Habitat parameters like humidity, forest type, canopy coverage, riparian canopy coverage, stream persistence and litter depth are found to be major variables governing species diversity and distribution. Major anthropogenic threats to amphibians of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary are discussed along with future conservation objectives. With range extension of species like Fejervarya caperata and Minervarya sahyadris further north in the Western Ghats, taxonomic ambiguities recorded during study are discussed briefly.

Unexpected phylogenetic positions of the genera Rupirana and Crossodactylodes reveal insights into the biogeography and reproductive evolution of leptodactylid frogs

Despite major progress in deciphering the amphibian tree of life by molecular phylogenetics, we identified two questions remaining to be answered regarding relationships within Hyloidea, the clade of South American origin that comprises most extant anuran diversity. A few genera like Rupirana and Crossodactylodes have enigmatic phylogenetic positions, and relationships among major lineages within some families like Leptodactylidae remain ambiguous. To resolve these specific questions we used two approaches (1) a complete matrix approach representing >6.6kb, including most major Hyloidea lineages (61 terminals) combining different methods of phylogenetic reconstruction and measures of node support; and (2) a supermatrix approach >11.6kb with a focus on Leptodactylidae. Both Rupirana and Crossodactylodes are unambiguously grouped with Paratelmatobius and Scythrophrys. The clade comprising these four genera is named Crossodactylodinae and embedded within Leptodactylidae. Crossodactylodinae is moderately supported as sister group of Leptodactylinae from (1) and as the sister group of the other Leptodactylidae from (2) with low support. Genera within Crossodactylodinae are scattered along a north–south axis in the Atlantic forest and their origins are very ancient (Paleocene). Such results stress the importance of the northern Atlantic forest in terms of conservation. Moreover, the position of Pseudopaludicola, which is well supported as the sister group to all other Leiuperinae, suggests that foam-nest building may have arisen independently in Leptodactylinae and Leiuperinae. Moreover, in spite of being of similar age, foam-nest builders are more widespread than nonfoam-nest breeders and have higher species diversity. Nevertheless, the bulk of the diversity within foam-nest breeders arose some 20Myr later than the character itself.

The pioneering use of ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) in Neotropical anurans: preliminary assessment of genetic diversity in populations of Physalaemus cuvieri (Amphibia, Leiuperidae)

The greatest diversity of anurans in the world is in Brazil and one of the major challenges is to reconcile the accelerated economic development with strategies that aim to maintain this diversity in forest fragments, often representing ESUs of some biomes. This study aimed to obtain data that will support conservation projects through the pioneering use of ISSR analysis in Neotropical anurans, estimating the intra- and interpopulation genetic diversity of four populations of P. cuvieri (Paraná and São Paulo regions). Of the 65 loci scored 58 were polymorphic, with 0.797 intrapopulation variation and 0.203 interpopulation variation. The index of interpopulation genetic differentiation (FST) proved to be high among the population of Marmeleiro-PR and the three populations of SP (FST > 0.288); genetic dissimilarity was related to the geographical distance. The ISSR proved to be efficient and useful molecular markers in comparison with other markers most widely used for preliminary diagnosis of genetic diversity in populations of amphibians, and could be applied as a tool for future conservation projects, since they could identify potential ESUs and influence decisions on the preservation of fragments.

Habitat Preference and Diversity of Anuran in Durgapur, an Industrial City of West Bengal, India

Anuran diversity study was conducted for one year between June 2008 and August 2009 at Durgapur, an industrial city of West Bengal, India. Nine species under four families of the Order Anura were found to occur in Durgapur. They have a wide range of habitat preference like permanent or temporary aquatic bodies, human residential area, forested areas, termite nest, tree hole, under spaces of logs and so forth. Of the nine sp. 8 were confined to Amarabati pond (site-I), 5 were confined to Durgapur Government College campus (site-II) and 7 were confined at Fuljhore (site-III) of Durgapur. Analysis of the collected data on the anuran community of the study area revealed Shannon–Wiener species diversity index minimum (1.312) at site-II and maximum (1.938) at site-III. In contrast Margalef richness index value was minimum (0.627) at site-II and maximum (1.424) at site-III.

Urban croaking: diversity and distribution of anurans in a neotropical city

Anurans are excellent site-specific bioindicators. Although urbanization imposes diverse threats to wildlife species, little is known about its effect on tropical anurans. In this study we assessed the response of anurans to different conditions within an urban area (i.e. highly developed intra-urban residential areas, highly developed peri-urban residential areas, intra-urban abandoned lots, waterway). Our results show that: (1) 36 % of the regional anuran species pool was found within the boundaries of the studied city, (2) species richness peaked in highly developed peri-urban areas, (3) anuran abundance scores were highest in abandoned lots, and (4) highest similarity was found between the anuran community from highly developed peri-urban areas and abandoned lots. Although this study was carried out in a single city, and we only recorded four species, our results suggest that the urban semi-permeability process occurs for anuran communities, plus the fact that abandoned lots seem to offer better breeding habitat for anurans than a polluted waterway.

The Effect of Riparian Zones on Species Diversity of Frogs in Amazonian Forests

We investigated the effects of riparian zones, and associated environmental variables, on the composition and number of species of frogs per sample unit in an Amazonian forest. Sample plots in riparian (up to 10 m from water bodies) and non-riparian areas were distributed over a 25 km2 sampling grid to obtain a representative sample of habitats in each category. Each plot was sampled three times, over two rainy seasons. The riparian plots harbored more and different species than the non-riparian plots. In riparian areas near streams, the species composition changed along the gradient associated with stream width. The higher number of individuals and species in riparian plots highlights the importance of water courses and associated riparian areas for the conservation of anuran diversity in Amazon rainforests.

Integrative Study of Brazilian Anurans: Geographic Distribution, Size, Environment, Taxonomy, and Conservation

AbstractMost megadiversity regions lack basic wild animal diversity information such as species lists. This absence of basic knowledge restricts the development and effectiveness of conservation action plans, which are urgently needed for animal groups such as amphibians, the most threatened vertebrate group in the world. In this study, we estimated Brazilian anuran diversity based on species range distribution shapes and evaluated factors that likely affect species lists, such as current taxonomy knowledge, current number of specimens collected in each region, biome characteristics, and anuran size (snout–vent length). We were able to demonstrate differences among the distributional patterns of species within each biome and each Brazilian federative state and among certain factors that influence their diversity, such as latitudinal variation. In this integrative study, we provide zoogeographic information about the richest (in terms of anuran biodiversity) country in the world (at least 849 described species, about 60% of which are endemic), which may be fundamental to future conservation actions in Brazil.

ANURAN SPECIES DIVERSITY IN OGBA COMMUNITY, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Anuran diversity and abundance in Ogba community, Benin City, Nigeria was studied in five different sites between April and September 2011. Specimens were collected using the Visual Encounter and Acoustic survey methods. A total of 232 individuals belonging to four families, eight genera and twelve species were recorded. Species encountered included Afrixalus dorsalis, Amnirana albolabris, Arthroleptis poecilonatus, Bufo maculatus, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, Hyperolius concolor, Leptopelis hyloides, Ptychadena bibroni, P. longirostris, P. mascareniensis, P. oxyrhynchus and P. pumilio. The most dominant species was Bufo maculatus (49.6 %) while Hyperolius concolor and Ptychadena longirostris were represented by one specimen each (0.43 %). Diversity was highest in the site with closed canopy (H=1.98) and least in the site with habitat alteration (H= 0.22) showing a positive correlation between amphibian diversity and forest cover. Conservation of our forests and amphibian habitats would help in conserving these little known amphibians which are on the verge of decline

Dependence of anuran diversity on environmental descriptors in farmland ponds

In the Neotropics, conversion of natural habitats into agricultural areas is occurring at a high rate, with consequent reduction of habitat complexity in anuran breeding ponds. Identifying features of farmland ponds that allow them to support a high diversity of species is fundamental for successful management and conservation policies and is especially important in Neotropical regions that harbor the highest anuran species richness in the world. Here, we aimed to investigate which environmental descriptors correlate the occurrence of anuran species in tropical farmland ponds in southeastern Brazil. We found that environmental descriptors reflecting the complexity of vegetation in farmland ponds primarily predict the diversity of anuran species in these habitats. Species richness was correlated mainly by vegetation height in the margin, with ponds that exhibit greater stratification harboring a larger number of species. Vegetation height in the interior of ponds, diversity of vegetation in the margin, pond area and hydroperiod were also important variables predicting the abundance of six of 10 anuran species analyzed. Our results show that features of farmland ponds representing increased habitat complexity are key factors in maintaining a high diversity of species, providing a greater variety of microhabitats, both in vertical and horizontal strata, and thus meeting diverse species-specific requirements.

Blood puncture as a nondestructive sampling tool to obtain DNA in frogs: comparison of protocols and survival analysis

In molecular biology studies of Anura, nondestructive methods to obtain genetic material are needed as alternatives to toe clipping. This work evaluates a nondestructive method for sampling DNA from blood puncture, comparing the performance of three different extraction protocols (Qiagen Kit, Salting-out and Chelex). We collected 134 individuals of Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, extracting blood via puncture of the medial vein using commercial-grade glucometer lancets. We extracted 100-1880 ng DNA, finding no differences between the extraction protocols. We compared the quality of the resulting DNA through amplification and sequencing of the 16S mitochondrial gene. Amplification was successful for the three extraction protocols, although Chelex showed better performance, making it the most recommendable protocol for extraction of DNA from blood. The resulting sequences corresponded to those registered in the GenBank for this species. Additionally, we found no significant differences in survival or weight change between the individuals that were manipulated and a control group (mean survival 66.7% treated, 62.9% untreated). Data reveal that blood samples obtained by puncture are a convenient alternative to other tissues (phalange, buccal swab, liver) that have traditionally been used as DNA sources for anurans. The technique is applicable to small and large species, covering most anuran diversity, provides enough DNA for many genetic applications and produces no noticeable effect on the survival or performance, given that it does not affect the motor parts or the dexterity of the animals.

Lake Proximity as a Determinant of Anuran Abundance at Lago Sachavacayoc, Amazonian Peru

ABSTRACT. Because anurans are highly dependent on water for hydroregulation and respiration, they may use microhabitats that are in proximity to standing water preferentially to other microhabitats, especially during dry periods. We examined the anuran assemblage of Sachavacayoc, Peru during the dry season to test if lake proximity, distance to trees, temperature, and humidity influenced anuran abundance and diversity in the leaf litter of a rainforest habitat. We conducted quadrat searches of paired plots at the shore of a lake and 25 m distant from the lake's shore. Both overall abundance of anurans and abundance of the most common species, Leptodactylus andreae, a terrestrial breeding species, were significantly higher in the lakeshore quadrats. Temperatures at capture sites in the shore quadrats were significantly higher; frogs were significantly closer to trees in the away-from-water quadrats. Humidities at points of capture did not differ significantly with quadrat position. For eight of the 14 spec...

Anuran amphibians' diversity in a northwestern area of the Brazilian Pantanal

In the Pantanal, the largest continuous floodplain in the world, the diversity and distribution of anuran amphibians vary in and across distinct subregions and distinct habitats occurring along inundation gradients. Permanent and natural aquatic habitats are relatively scarce in the Pantanal, and occurrence of temporary aquatic habitats varies seasonally, depending on rains. We here present results of evaluations of anuran's species richness and abundance in a seasonally flooded area in the northwestern section of the Pantanal (Fazenda Baía de Pedra, Cáceres municipality, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), comparing values obtained in 10 plots systematically distributed over 5 km² with those obtained in additional aquatic plots in the study area. Data were obtained in five field trips, from February 2008 to March 2009. In addition to the plots, 36 water bodies (20 permanent and 16 temporary) were also sampled for the presence of anurans. In total, 3,983 individuals from 34 anuran species distributed in five families were recorded: Hylidae (14 species), Leptodactylidae (8), Leiuperidae (6), Microhylidae (4), and Bufonidae (2). Local richness represents 77.3% of the anuran diversity already recorded for the Brazilian Pantanal. The number of species recorded exclusively in systematically distributed terrestrial plots and in water bodies was 28 and 32, respectively. Sampling methods used at Fazenda Baía da Pedra were efficient in determining anuran richness, abundance, composition and distribution. Evaluations of anuran richness and abundance by using permanent sampling plots in the Pantanal may benefit from additional sampling sites, particularly permanent and temporary water bodies.

Environmental heterogeneity: Anuran diversity in homogeneous environments

The northwestern region of Sao Paulo was extensively deforested during the agricultural expansion in the last century and only small fragments of the original vegetation cover remained. In this study, we investigated how habitat features influence the composition, richness, and diversity of anurans in environments homogenized by agricultural activities. We sampled monthly six breeding ponds located in pasture areas during twelve months. We recorded ten environmental descriptors for each breeding pond. We found 18 anuran species. The breeding ponds were structurally similar, but species composition differed among them. The environmental descriptors influence varies for each species, as demonstrated by the different associations between species and environmental descriptors shown in the Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Seven of the ten environmental descriptors explained 67% of the species richness, showing that environmental characteristics influenced the occurrence of the different species. There is no such data set for the region and also for most Brazilian regions, despite its importance in guiding species-oriented conservation actions.

Breeding Habitat and Landscape Correlates of Frog Diversity and Abundance in a Tropical Agricultural Landscape

The biodiversity values of temporary pools in tropical ecosystems are poorly understood. Such wetlands are often threatened by agriculture. Constructed pools provide a means to mitigate for loss of natural pools but design features associated with restoration successful are not known. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of environmental variables at local (breeding pools) and regional spatial scales (landscape configuration) on species richness and abundance of anurans in heavily altered landscapes of southeastern Brazil. Frog and toad communities of 18 constructed temporary breeding pools were sampled every 2 weeks from October 2008 to March 2009. Two variables—hydroperiod and percentage of vegetation in the interior of the pools—explained 62% of species richness variation. Three other variables—pool area, distance of pools to forest fragments, and distance of pools to road—explained between 22 and 46% of the variation in frog and toad abundance. Our results indicate that local- and regional-scale variables, and their interaction, are important drivers of the structure of frog and toad communities in these agricultural landscapes. To facilitate amphibian conservation we suggest that cattle ranchers create and maintain heavily vegetated temporary pools near protected forest reserves as both a water source for livestock and breeding habitat for amphibians.

Anurans from two high-elevation areas of Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The anurofauna inhabiting higher montane Atlantic forest areas in southeastern Brazil, which often attain heights of more than 2000 m, is still insufficiently known. In this study, we present data on anuran species composition and abundances in two high-altitude (i.e. > 1000 m) sites within the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos (PETP), in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Field surveys were done at altitudes between 1100 and 1900 m above sea level. We recorded 35 species during our study, adding 22 records to the set of anuran species previously known to occur within the PETP. The stability of the species accumulation curve, as well as the richness estimations, showed that the sampling methodology employed and the total sampling effort were appropriate to inventory the anuran assemblages of both sites. Direct-developing frogs such as Ischnocnema parva (Girard, 1853) (at the 1100-1400 m altitude site), and Brachycephalus garbeanus Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (at the 1600-1900 m altitude site) were the most locally abundant species. None of the species recorded during the study is listed as threatened, though nine of them are currently considered endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, eight of the species recorded are likely restricted to high-altitude habitats. The relatively high diversity of anurans (some of them endemic to the state), the presence of species restricted to high-altitude habitats, and the occurrence of rare and presently undescribed species attest to the biological relevance of the studied areas within the PETP.