An ecological study on amphibian communities inhabiting the dewponds of a lowland deciduous forest along the tyrrhenian coast (central Italy)

Abstract

An ecological study on the amphibian communities was carried out in the Natural Reserve of Castelporziano, one the most important strongholds of biodiversity along the Tyrrhenian coast. The aims of the research were to study the ecological distribution of amphibians within the study area and to provide information for ecosystem management. A two-year survey (1998–2000) was conducted in 30 ponds and one channel, in order to correlate the species occurrence and abundance with environmental factors. A significant correlation was found with aquatic vegetation density, riparial vegetation cover, the duration of summer drought, and the presence of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). The amphibian communities consisted of 7 species (2 Caudata: Triturus carnifex and T. vulgaris; 5 Anura: Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Hyla intermedia, Rana dalmatina, and a ‘green frogs klepton’ formed by R. bergeri and R. kl. hispanicd). Ponds are inhabited by a mean number of 3–6 species; permanent water bodies harbour a higher number (4) with respect to temporary ones (3.2). © 2004 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.