Comparative anuran diversity and abundance in sprayed and unsprayed transplanted rice crop fields

Abstract

Abstract Agriculture intensification and management practises is a significant threat to biodiversity. However, changed habitats such as irrigated rice fields could offer as potential refuges for some anurans species. This study examined diversity and abundance of anurans in transplanted rice crop fields under sprayed and unsprayed conditions. Six anuran species were recorded from transplanted rice crop fields (D. melanostictus, D. stomaticus, E. cyanophlyctis, E. adolfi, F. limnocharisi and H. tigerinus) with patchy occurrence of E. adolfi. However, 36.03–37.93% increase in anuran population was recorded in unsprayed as compared to sprayed transplanted rice crop fields. Total mean population in unsprayed fields was 37.05% higher as compared to sprayed fields. Increase in body weight of males (2.96–14.21%) was more than females (3.87–11.17%) in unsprayed than sprayed fields.A positive correlation was found between amphibian population with atmospheric temperature (˚C), mean relative humidity (%), rainfall (mm), soil pH, soil OC except for soil EC. The study suggests rice agroecosystems, in partnership with neighboring natural aquatic and terrestrial habitats with no use of pesticides can serve as a sanctuary for anuran biodiversity.