The role of artificial ponds for anuran diversity in managed areas of the Atlantic Forest

• Published in: Studies on neotropical fauna and environment 2024-09, Vol.59 (3), p.1273-1286
• Main Authors: Preuss, Jackson, Dalmolin, Diego Anderson, Moser, Camila Fernanda, Brum, Diego, Lucas, Elaine Maria, Veronez, Mauricio Roberto, Ramos Pereira, Maria João, Tozetti, Alexandro Marques
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: amphibians; beta diversity; Freshwater; turnover
• ISSN: 0165-0521; 1744-5140
• DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2024.2357962

Artificial ponds can be important reproductive sites for anurans in human-disturbed habitats. However, this capacity depends on the configuration of the habitat where they are inserted. We evaluated how anuran beta diversity was influenced by the configuration of the surrounding habitat and water parameters in artificial ponds in southern Brazil. Physicochemical parameters of water and the configuration of the surrounding habitat were the elements that best explained the variation in beta diversity. However, the surrounding habitat had a predominant role in the differences between communities. The level of exposed soil was the component that best acted on the turnover component of beta diversity followed by urbanization, which highlights the impact of human presence on anuran diversity. In other words, we observed that anthropogenic changes caused changes in species composition in the evaluated ponds. Among water parameters, only phosphate was relevant for the configuration of communities. Phosphate peaks may result from sewage or fertilizer contamination, not infrequent in the region despite the low human density and the small-scale agriculture economy. Even though they are anthropogenic environments, artificial ponds can help maintain the anuran communities, but their effectiveness will depend on the presence of forest remnants and water quality.