Abstract

GARCIA-R., JUAN CARLOS; CASTRO-H., FERNANDO  and  CARDENAS-H., HEIBER. Relationship among anurans distribution and habitat variables at La Romelia, Munchique National Park ( Cauca, Colombia ). Caldasia [online]. 2005, vol.27, n.2, pp.299-310. ISSN 0366-5232.

During the months of April-September of 2001 at sector La Romelia of the Munchique National Park ( Cauca, Colombia ), we carried out a study to determine the relationship between vegetation parameters and climatic variables with the distribution and abundance of the anuran fauna in three habitat types (mature forest, secondary forest and shrub areas). A total of eight species of frogs belonging to the genus Eleutherodactylus were registered, being the most abundant E. capitonis, E. sp. 3 and E. sp. 2, with 73, 57 and 49 individuals, respectively. All anuran species showed great preference for leaves as substrate to perch. As for height or vertical position, the classes with more registrations were the lowest (I, II and III). The distribution of eight frog species was not related to presence of a permanent source of water in the sampling places. The habitat factors that had greater influence on the distribution and abundance of the eight anuran species were mainly the canopy cover in different strata, the epiphytic cover on the ground and on branches, trunks, small trees and bushes, the density of these growth forms and the depth of the litterfall.

Keywords : Anurans; climatic factors; La Romelia; vegetation structure.

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