Habitat heterogeneity and anuran community of an agroecosystem in the Pantanal of Brazil

Abstract

The Pantanal of central Brazil has experienced considerable modifications as a result of growing land use. The association between anuran assemblage and the local habitat structure of an agroecosystem in central Brazil at the Pantanal is described. It is shown that the structure of the anuran community is reestablished within the new environmental dynamics in such human-modified habitat. Twenty-four anuran species were recorded in the area. The community was dominated by four species (Dendropsophus nanus, Leptodactylus chaquensis, Hypsiboas raniceps, and Rhinella cf. bergi), which accounted for more than 50% of the sampled individuals. The species distribution pattern was adjusted to the logarithmic, log-normal, and broken stick models, partially reflecting its association with agroecosystem characteristics. Habitat heterogeneity contributes to the anuran community at a local scale, thereby emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct habitats for anuran species in the Pantanal as a management practice, even in in situations in which anthropic actions are predictable, as in agroecosystems.

Keywords

• agriculture
• amphibians
• habitat complexity
• Pantanal
• wetland