COMPOSITION, AND SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF ANURANS IN THE CARIRI PARAIBANO, NORTHEAST BRAZIL.

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to characterize the structure and the composition of an anuran assemblage associated to different temporary ponds in a Caatinga area in Northeast Brazil. The data were obtained through intensive search in the area, investigating the margins of water bodies and adjacent areas. In the anuran composition, it was registered 16 species distributed in 11 genera and seven families (Bufonidae, 2 species; Hylidae, 4; Leptodactylidae, 4; Leiuperidae, 3; Cycloramphidae, 1; Microhylidae, 1 e Pipidae, 1). Some of these present a strong correlation with the Caatinga. The anurans presented reproduction restricted to the rainy season, an exclusive nocturnal calling activity, and five distinct reproductive modes, 43.7% of the recorded species deposited eggs in foam nest, directly on the water surface or in subterranean burrows built by the male.