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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Dependence of anuran diversity on environmental descriptors in farmland ponds

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Author(s):
da Silva, Fernando Rodrigues [1] ; Candeira, Carolina Panin [2] ; Rossa-Feres, Denise de Cerqueira [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, UFSCar, BR-18052780 Sorocaba, SP - Brazil
[2] Serv Autonomo Agua & Esgoto SAAE, BR-13347300 Indaiatuba, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho UNESP, Dept Zool & Bot, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION; v. 21, n. 6, p. 1411-1424, JUN 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 24
Abstract

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. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 01/13341-3 - Diversity of Anuran Amphibians from São Paulo State
Grantee:Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 04/12224-1 - Environmental heterogeneity: what is its role in the regulation of the wealth and diversity of species of amphibian anurans in open area?
Grantee:Carolina Panin Candeira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 04/12223-5 - The importance of forest fragments in the richness and diversity of amphibian anurans in Icem, northwest region of the State of São Paulo
Grantee:Fernando Rodrigues da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master