Batrachofaunal Diversity in Selected Habitats of Sirsi Taluk, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the amphibians are exhibiting decline in their population throughout the world as an indication of increased degradation, deterioration and alteration of habitat or microhabitat and changes in global climate due to anthropogenic activities. Anurans’ are sensitive to environmental changes such as habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and developing infectious illnesses hence are considered good indicators of habitat quality. A study was conducted to record the distribution and monthly occurrence of anurans in damp, semiforest and Semi Urban habitats in selected regions of Sirsi taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. The study area resides amidst Western Ghats, being one of the global biodiversity hotspots, reeling under tremendous pressure due to deforestation, habitat destruction and unprecedented anthropological activities. In the present study total of 229 individuals of anurans belonging to 4 families, 7 genera and 10 species were recorded during a brief study period (October-2019 to January-2020). Dicroglossidae was the most abundant family (89.4%) from the recorded anurans, followed by Bufonidae (6.3%) and Rachophoridae (3.38%), while Microhylidae was the least abundant (1.27%). Most species were found in the wetland habitat (42.7% of Dicroglossidae, 1.27% of Microhylidae) followed by semiforest (11.2% of Dicroglossidae, 5.50% of Bufonidae, 2.96% of Rachophopridae) while semiurban habitats had the least with Dicroglossidae alone (33.8%). This study throws light on dwindling population of anurans in the region because of rapid urbanization and fragmentation of habitats which needs urgent conservation strategies to protect anurans in their native habitat. We recommend that non-governmental organizations, district administration, regional officials, and local people in and around Sirsi taluk, to actively engage in wetland and forest conservation and protection.