The Herpetological Journal

pp.129-135

Authors: S. V. Krishnamurthy And S. A. Hussain

Abstract: Amphibian communities of Kudremukh National Park in the Western Ghats, India, were examined in relation to a wide range of habitat changes associated with an active iron ore mine. Twenty-six species of amphibian were recorded, comprising 23 anurans (four families) and three apodans (two families). Based on the changes in the quality of habitat, there were considerable differences in the pattern of amphibian distribution at different locations in the National Park. Undisturbed sites yielded 96% of species recorded in the area, while the disturbed sites yielded not more than 5 0%. Amphibian species richness, with litter-dwelling and semi-aquatic forms predominating, was related to the richness of plant species. Changes in amphibian species richness and distribution were reflected in three assemblages of decreasing richness, in undisturbed, partially disturbed and heavily disturbed sites.

Keywords: amphibian diversity, habitat quality, species composition