Patterns in anuran diversity along an elevational gradient in Ashambu hills, southern Western Ghats
- Rohit Naniwadekar, M.Sc.

Patterns in anuran diversity along an elevational gradient were documented and factors influencing them were identified in Ashambu hills of the southern Western Ghats. The elevational gradient was classified into 100 m elevation zones. Sampling for alpha (locality) diversity was carried out along a single drainage (0 m to 1300 m). Gamma (landscape) diversity was sampled across five drainages. Belt transects (50 m x 2 m) in riverine forests and visual encounter surveys along the rivers/streams in the nights were used for sampling anuran diversity.

Alpha diversity increased linearly with elevation and gamma diversity showed a bimodal pattern. Species richness peaked above 1100 m at both scales. Geometric constraints and area did not influence the anuran diversity patterns in KMTR. The variation in alpha diversity was explained by soil temperature. Gamma diversity patterns were explained by zonal overlap and soil moisture. The anuran species composition was strongly associated with microhabitat features. Greatest diversity of anurans was observed at the highest elevations, which are characterized by lower soil temperature and greater soil moisture. The greatest proportions of endemic, unique and arboreal anurans and anurans exhibiting direct development occurred in the high elevations (> 700 m) highlighting the importance of wet evergreen forest of KMTR for anurans.
 

M. Sc. Dissertation :
Patterns in diversity of anurans along an elevational gradient in southern Western Ghats –  Rohit Naniwadekar