Ngalason, Wilirk2019-12-042020-01-072019-12-042020-01-072005Ngalason, W(2005)Reproductive biology and ecology of anurans on the lukwangule plateau, Tanzaniahttp://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1831Available in print form, East Wilbert Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark ( THS EAF QL668.E2T34N452)The reproductive biology and ecology of anurans on the Lukwangule Plateau was studied between August 2002 and July 2003. Methods that were used included bucket pitfall naps with drift fences, plots, audio-strip surveys and opportunistic surveys. The reproductive condition of females was assessed based on the condition and size of follicles in the ovary and that of males was assessed based on advertisement calls and secondary sex characters. Environmental parameters influencing amphibian activity including temperature and rainfall were recorded. The Lukwangule Plateau is a mosaic of grassland and forest patches. A total of five anuran species were found, including undescribed nectophrynoides sp., N. viviparous Probreviceps uluguruensis, Arthroleptis affinis and strongylopus merumountanus. N. viviparous and P. uluguruensis were found both in grassland and forest. S. merumontanus was found in grasslands and associated wetlands and Nectophrynoides sp. And A. affinis were found only in forest. Movements in P. uluguruensis and S. merumontanus was positively correlated with both rainfall and temperature. Male advertisement calls in the two species were also correlated with temperature and rainfall. Movements in N. viviparous were positively correlated with temperature but not rainfall, and vocalisations were positively correlated with rainfall but not temperature. The three species had different reproductive modes. P. uluguruensis ' had a direct development mode of reproduction and eggs were laid in burrows at the beginning of short rains. The clutch size ranged from 8 to 55 follicles and the follicles attained a maximum diameter of 5 mm. N. viviparous is ovoviviparous; the clutch size ranged from 18 to 79 eggs/embryos and follicles attained a maximum diameter of 2.8 mm. This species gave birth to young toads during the short rains in November through December. Eggs of £ were laid at the edge of shallow water pools and had aquatic larval stage. This species reproduced during the long rains and the short rains. There was a significant correlation between body length and mass in all anuran species and females were significantly larger than males. The diet of the three species was datum)med more by any preference than availability. In this study, recommendations for conserving the unique habitats and amphibians on the Lukwangule Plateau are put forward.enAnuraAmphibiansBreedingEcologyLukwangule plateauTanzaniaThesis