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

Author(s)

Toledo, Luis Felipe ^[1] ; Batista, Romulo Fernandes ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Museu Zool Prof Adao Jose Cardoso, BR-13083863 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] CEUC, Secretaria Estadual Meio Ambiente & Desenvolvimen, BR-69050030 Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biotropica; v. 44, n. 6, p. 785-792, NOV 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Most 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 (snoutvent 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. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/50325-5 - Conservation of Brazilian amphibians: a special focus on the Mata Atlântica
• Grantee: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants