Influência dos fatores bióticos e abióticos em taxocenoses de girinos (Lissamphibia, Anura) em corpos d’água temporários em ambientes de caatinga no Estado da Paraíba.

Abstract

Temporary water bodies are used as breeding and development environments for tadpoles for a sufficient time to complete their metamorphosis. This study aimed to investigate which environmental characteristics influence the structure of tadpole taxocenoses in temporary water bodies in two areas of Caatinga, in the semi-arid region of Paraiba. Data collection was carried out in two areas during the rainy season, where tadpoles and invertebrate larvae and environmental variables such as temperature, water pH and Total Dissolved Solids were collected, along with water body length, width and depth variables, and presence/absence of vegetation. Eight species of tadpoles were found in the two areas, which showed a significant association with water body size and depth. Invertebrate larvae are considered potential predators for tadpoles. Species in the family Hylidae have a more heterogeneous habitat selection. Among the biotic factors, competition and predation are the ones that most interfere in the structure of the taxocenoses. The abiotic factors that act directly are the hydroperiod and water body variables. The rainfall is another determining factor in temporary environments in the Caatinga. Further studies are necessary, since these environments are important for the reproduction of anurans.