Checklist of amphibians in a transitional area between the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, central-southern Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

We present a list of amphibian species from Serra do Brejo Novo, municipality of Jequié, state of Bahia in Brazil, a transition zone between the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest that encompasses a great diversity of species and reproductive modes. Between November 2009 and April 2010 we surveyed the area using pitfall traps and between August 2010 and February 2012 data was collected using active search methodology. We recorded 32 species belonging to seven families. The unexpected composition of species and reproductive modes of this community highlight the importance of species inventories and also the need for exploring transitional areas to understand the ecological mechanisms responsible for changes in community structures between different zones.

Seasonal and Spatial Variation of Road-Killed Vertebrates on Br330, Southwest Bahia, Brazil

“…Amphibians were the third group most affected in the present study. Although at least 30 species of this group occurs in this area (Lantyer-Silva et al 2013), only four were negatively impacted on the studied stretch of road. Leptodactylus latrans and Boana crepitans represent the most abundant species in the municipality of Jequié and are frequently recorded in human-modified areas (J. Zina, personal observation).…”

“…Therefore, the areas of high population density attract these species increasing road-killing rates. In addition, both use temporary, semi-permanent and permanent environments for reproductive activity (Lantyer-Silva et al 2013), which increase the potential areas to be used by both species. Additionally, both species are frequently observed moving from one spot to another (J. Zina, personal observation), especially during the wet season, probably in search for suitable water bodies for reproduction.…”