Browsing by Author "Mkonyi, Felix Joseph"

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    Distribution and abundance of amphibians along an altitudinal gradient on the western slopes of Uluguru south mountains, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2005) Mkonyi, Felix Joseph
    The distribution and abundance of amphibians occurring from an altitude of 1200m to 2500m a.s.I. on the western slopes of Uluguru South Mountain block was surveyed between September 2001 and September 2002. In a total of5280 trap-nights (i.e. 1320 trap-nights at each site), 925 amphibians were captured in bucket pitfalls. While using different sampling methods i.e. bucket pitfall traps with drift fences, plots, opportunistic collections, audio strip transects and visual sampling techniques, a total of 19 species belonging to 6 families and 16 genera were recorded. The highest species richness for amphibians was noted in the submontane forest zone at 1200m a.s.I. and there was a reduction in the number of species at each site with increasing altitude. The amphibian community on the western part of Uluguru Souk Mountain block is mainly composed of anurans (94.7%) and caecilians (5.3%). The distribution of amphibians falls into three major habitats: forest, farmland and grasslands on the plateau. Fury three percent of the amphibian species are forest dependent, 21% farmtland and 21% savanna species. There was a seasonal difference in amphibian relative abundance among the studied sites. Species distribution varied significantly among sites. There was also a seasonal variation in species distribution among sites and habitats. Species diversity differed significantly among habitats and over the seasons. Factors which influence the distribution and abundance of amphibians are discussed. This study provides specific information on the amphibian community of the submontane and mundane forest portions on the western slopes of Uluguru South Mountains.