Studies on the Seasonal Variations and Microhabitat Utilization of Anuran Population in Agroecosystems of Tranquebar Taluk Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation are among the largest threats to amphibian populations. In the present study, we intended to explore the amphibian population density (diversity) in three different seasons (Thaladi, Kuruvai and Samba) at five different habitats (Cultivable, Non-cultivable, Pond, Dry pond, and Grassland) in Cauvery delta region during the period 2016 to 2017. The Visual Encounter Survey Method (VES) was adopted in this study and amphibians were recorded in all possible 5 habitats. 9 species of amphibians were recorded belonging to 6 families of 9 genera in different habitats. Maximum of species were recorded during samba season in Pond followed by cultivable, non-cultivable, grassland during Thaladi and Kuruvai. There is no species recorded in dry pond during these three seasons (Thaladi, Kuruvai and Samba). Further studies are needed on the population structure, microhabitats and habitats used by amphibians for better understanding and impose several conservation strategies.

Keywords: Amphibians, population density, Tranquebar, Anuran diversity, agroecosystems

Cite this Article

K. Karunakaran, Paul Jeevanandham, S. Thangapandiyan. Studies on the Seasonal Variations and Microhabitat Utilization of Anuran Population in Agroecosystems of Tranquebar Taluk Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India. Research & Reviews: Journal of Ecology. 2018; 7(3): 1–7p.