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Agroforestry's Impact on Endemic Frogs
Context
A recent study conducted looked into how agroforestry practices (like farming with trees) affect frog species in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
Key Findings
- Low Frog Diversity in Modified Habitats: Frog diversity was lowest in paddy fields and orchards compared to the natural plateaus, which had higher frog populations. This suggests that agriculture and agroforestry practices are harmful to amphibians, especially endemic species (species that are found only in specific regions).
- Endemic Frogs at Risk: Two species of endemic frogs were notably less abundant in modified habitats:
- CEPF burrowing frog (Minervarya cepfi)
- Goan fejervarya (Minervarya gomantaki)
- These species are particularly vulnerable because the changes in the landscape (like turning plateaus into orchards) reduce their natural habitats.
- Generalist Species More Common in Paddy Fields: On the other hand, frogs like the Minervarya syhadrensis, which is common across South Asia, were more frequently found in paddy fields. This suggests that some species may be able to tolerate or even thrive in modified habitats, though this doesn't mean they are adapting in the long term. Their spread is more about the shift in community composition rather than true adaptation.
- Impact of Landscape Transformation: The study highlights how the conversion of plateaus into agricultural lands (like mango and cashew orchards) is a major threat to the habitat of these frogs. The natural rock pools, which provide protection to frog eggs and tadpoles during the dry spells of the monsoon, are being destroyed. This transformation also affects local water sources, which are crucial for amphibian survival.
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