IRACAMBI ATLANTIC RAINFOREST RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION CENTER

FROG DIVERSITY IN VARIOUS OF IRACAMBI

STEFANIE ROG

Van Hall Insituut, Leeuwarden, Netherlands

March 2005

Index

1 INTRODUCTION...... 9 2 ATLANTIC FOREST...... 10 2.1 Atlantic rain introduction...... 10 2.2 Status of the Atlantic forest in Brazil ...... 11 2.3 Endangered species in Atlantic forest...... 11 3 DECLINING ...... 13 3.1 status in Brazil and the Atlantic forest ...... 15 4 RESEARCH OUTLINE ...... 16 4.1 Aims, hypotheses and objectives ...... 16 4.2 Research methods and materials...... 17 4.3 Description of research areas ...... 19 5.1 Number of species per reseach area...... 21 5.2 Species occurrence in relation to weather and temperature...... 21 5.3 Frog species of Iracambi...... 23 5.4 Results watersamples ...... 29 6 CONCLUSION...... 30 6.1 Watersamples conclusion...... 30 6.2 Frog species ...... 30 6.3 with frog diversity ...... 30 6.4 Frog occurrence in relation to weather ...... 31 6.5 Final conclusion...... 31 7 DISCUSSION ...... 32 9 LITERATURE LIST ...... 34

Appendix 1 Frog tapes explanation …………………………………………………………I Appendix 2 Pictures research areas………………………………………………………..III Appendix 3 Pictures frog species…………………………………………………………...IV Appendix 4 Datasheet frog collecting……………………………………………………….V Appendix 5 Datasheet Iracambi overvieuw……………………………………...... VI Appendix 8 Water sample results...... …………………………..VII

8 1 Introduction

Like a canary in a coalmine is used to warn people when there is a gas leakage, frogs serve as indicators if something is happening to an ecosystem. Amphibians are considered to be particularly vulnerable to habitat change and good indicators of habitat quality due to their permeable skins, dual life mode and limited dispersal capabilities. Understanding factors that determine amphibian species distributions can allow informed decisions to be made in conservation, increases our understanding of how land management impacts on amphibian species and therefore contributes towards understanding amphibian decline and rarity on a wider scale. Frog species all over the world are declining especially over the past decades and this warns us that there is something wrong with ecosystems they live in.

In Brazil the largest number of amphibian species in the world is represented. There are 731 species of which 467 endemic. 110 species are threatened according to IUCN and unless new species are discovered every year a number of unexplained declines have occurred, especially in the Atlantic Forest. Where 340 species catalogued, 91.8% are considered as being endemic.

The survey took place at Iracambi area, a research station situated between fragments of the Atlantic forest, Brazil. The Atlantic forest is a biodiversity hotspot, as will be explained later, but it is dramatically threatened; only 7-8% of its original size remains.

This study concerns the different frog species situated in the area of Iracambi. In order to get an overview of the diversity of frogs in Iracambi habitats several objectives were set up:

-Determine the different land use of Iracambi area -Describe research areas with UICN criteria (vegetation, disturbance) -Collect water samples in research areas to compare them with each other and draw conclusions about health -Record all frog species found in research areas on Iracambi, report in what microhabitat the species was found, what the weather circumstances were and put the data in GIS maps -Record frog calls and link them to pictures and scientific name

A frog study has been never done before at this research station, which makes this pioneer project a basis for further research on frog species at Iracambi.

9 2 Atlantic forest

‘The greatest celebration on earth’’ Tropical forest according to biologist Norman Myers.

2.1 Atlantic rain introduction

The Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica) situated in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is different from its much more famous neighbor, the Amazon Rainforest. Like the Amazon, it is humid, with an average annual rainfall of about 2000 mm: but it is cooler here with temperatures ranging on average from 14-21°C compared to 26-27 °C in the Amazon. The greater variations in temperature help contribute to the rainforest's immense variety of plants and . Within the Amazon Basin, the forest lies at more or less the same altitude, along 27 degrees of south latitude. However, the Atlantic forest stretches between Rio Grande do Norte to Rio Grande do Sul, and spreads from the coast to 2,700m mountains. The vegetation of the forest varies greatly, according to latitude and altitude and as a result there are several different classes of forest. This, too, means that the Atlantic forest has a far greater biodiversity than even that of the Amazon forest. The remaining different classes of rainforest featured within the Atlantic forest are:

Tropical moist broadleaf forest -- found on coastal plains, it is characterized by a dense population of tall trees, a second, sparser layer of smaller trees, shrubs and palms, and a large number of lianas and epiphytes. No large area of this forest remains;

Tropical semi-deciduous forest -- found further inland. In the south of Brazil this forest is interspersed by Araucaria pines. The forest has an upper canopy of about 30m, below that grows a second layer with a canopy height of about 20m. Some trees are deciduous, others evergreen.

The lower mountain forest -- found at altitudes over 800m above sea level -- has a thinner canopy about 12-25m high, denser undergrowth and a great biological diversity. Above 1200m the forest generally gives way to shrubby vegetation and .

The mangrove forests found in bays, estuaries and lagoons, and the xeromorphic coastal dune forests called the "Restinga" are also found within the Atlantic forest ecosystem. Both are under severe threat. (Iracambi, 2004)

10 2.2 Status of the Atlantic forest in Brazil

The Atlantic forest is one of the worlds 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots areas and is arguable the most devastated and most highly threatened ecosystem of the planet. Although the Atlantic forest is thought to have originally ranged from 1 to 1.5 million km2, only 7-8 percent of the original forest remains. (Galindo-Leal, 2003)

Close to 70 percent of the Brazilians, in total 169 million, live within the original distribution of the forest, and three of the largest urban centers of the continent are also located there. Since colonization by the Portuguese and Spanish around 1500, the Atlantic forest has a long history of intensive land use for commodity exports, including cycles of exploitation of brazil wood, sugarcane, coffee, cocoa and cattle grazing. More recent drivers of biodiversity loss include government subsidized soy agriculture and plantations of pine and eucalyptus. The fragments that remain are under threat by fuel wood harvesting, illegal logging, plant and poaching and the introduction of alien species. The construction of dams for hydropower also contributes to this.

The first measures to protect the forest were taken during the colonial period in 1797. This concern came from the need for good wood for shipbuilding. The first time a natural area was protected was in 1898: a small pocket of land in Sao Paulo. Almost 30 years later, protected status was given to Itatiaia National Park. Protection of natural areas then accelerated. The real situation today is difficult to asses because there is no single registry that lists all the conservation units. The Database of conservation units maintained by Conservation International in Brazil indicated that there were 102 units averaging 191.25km2. Of this number 39 are larger than 100m2 and four are larger that 1000m2. Conservation units larger then 10m2 represent about 19.73 percent of the total remain of the forest. These numbers illustrate the situation and represent the percentage of land protected. (Galindo-Leal, 2003)

2.3 Endangered species in Atlantic forest

Because its landscape has been so radically changed, a lot of animals are under severe threat. The Atlantic forest has at least 362 species of birds, 113 mammals, 18 reptiles and 16 amphibians that are threatened at regional level.

Total number of species an endemic for selected groups in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Taxa Total Endemic %Endemic Threatened at regional scale

Birds 849 188 22.14 362 Mammals 250 55 22 113 Reptiles 197 60 30.46 18 Amphibians 340 90 26.47 16 Fig.1.1

Designation of a species as threatened depends on local or regional initiatives, such as red lists. As a result, much uncertainty exists about the true number and geographic range of threatened species. Therefore the total number of these species in the Atlantic forest is most likely to be underestimated. Amazingly, nearly all the species known to be found in the original range can still be found, though often in small isolated fragments. Even new species of have been discovered in the last decade. But looking at the extinction in perspective of time

11 it reveals that urgent measures are needed. The first list of Brazilian threatened animals identified a total of 86 species in 1972. Seventeen years later this number was 218. A new list in 2003 showed more than 400 species.

Attaining the goal of zero extinction in this forest will require a commitment on research, threat control, habitat restoration, population management and monitoring of the biota at a level of economic, social, political and scientific effort never before undertaken for any ecosystem of the world.

12 3 Declining amphibians

The decline in amphibian populations was first reported by herpetologists in the late 1970s (Barinaga 1990; Bury 1999), and appeared to be occurring in areas all over the world. Concern rises because amphibians are important components of many diverse ecological ecosystems. To get a view of the world wide declining see fig. 2.1

Fig 2.1 Distribution of amphibian declines.

In response to these recent declines, The Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) was launched in 2000 with the aim of assessing all amphibians against the IUCN Red List criteria. It represents the first time (October 14, 2004) that each of the 5,743 amphibian species known to science has been analyzed in order to assess their threat status and distribution. More than 520 scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the three-year study. The study’s results provide a baseline for global amphibian conservation, and will be used to design strategies to save the world’s rapidly declining amphibian populations, which include frogs and toads, salamanders, and caecilians. In some ecosystems they are the most abundant vertebrates (Blaustein et al 1994, Blaustein & Wake1995) and so their absence can seriously disrupt the functioning of the rest of the ecological community. They provide a prey base for other tropical vertebrates (Beebee 1996) as well as predating upon many invertebrates (Wake 1991). This decline in amphibian populations is disturbing on its own, but it is also worrying because amphibians serve as excellent bio-indicators of the overall health and resilience of their environment (Blaustein & Wake 1995; Alford & Richards 1999). Amphibians are considered a ``canary in the coal mine'' for environmental damage. The canary was used for detecting toxic or explosive gases in coalmines, before there was a better way to do it. Canaries are more sensitive to such gases than humans so they would collapse long before the miners were affected. This was a signal to the miners to get out immediately. They have a bi-

13 phased lifestyle, living on both land and in water at different stages of their life cycle. Their moist skin is thin enough to allow respiration and their eggs lack shells, allowing direct exposure to soil, water and sunlight (Duellman & Trueb 1994; Lips 1998). Frogs also provide a good reflection of local conditions because they exhibit highly philopatric behaviour (Blaustein & Wake 1995). All these factors therefore make amphibians more sensitive to environmental disturbances than other terrestrial vertebrates. It has been proposed that the declines could be the effect of natural population fluctuations (Pechmann et al 1991; Pechmann & Wilbur 1994; Marsh 2001). However, this is unlikely to be the explanation due to the large number and wide distribution of reported declines. Decreases in amphibian populations have occurred on a global scale, indicating more general environmental problems.

Declines in frog populations may lead to local extinction. This can have drastic effects particularly on species that are of limited range, and also live in fragmented habitats - thus hindering migration between communities making opportunities for re-colonization low or non-existent (Wake 1991; Marsh & Trenham 2000). There have been many causative factors of amphibian declines proposed in the literature. Some will be due to the natural stochastic population fluctuations, but many have been attributed to direct or indirect anthropological activities. These include , poaching, and the introduction of exotic predators and pathogens (Alford & Richards 1999).

Alarmingly, amphibians have reportedly disappeared from pristine areas or areas presumed to be undisturbed by human interference (Blaustein & Wake 1995, Bury 1999, Alford & Richards 1999; Houlahan et al 2000; Alford et al 2001; Carey et al 2001; T.A. Gardner). Disappearances from protected areas such as this are distressing, especially as such areas are thought to be immune to most human disturbances (Blaustein & Wake 1995; Bury 1999). The declines in such remote areas are thought to be caused by the indirect effect of human activity. Depletion of stratospheric ozone and increase of UV-B radiation at the Earth’s surface damages frog embryos, thus reducing their chances of survival (Blaustein & Wake 1995; Berger et al 1998). The UV radiation may also contribute indirectly to decline by decreasing the supply of aquatic insects for the frogs to feed on (Lips 1998). Recent remote sensing data from Central America has identified an increase in the levels of UV-B in areas of reported amphibian declines (Middleton et al 2001). Increasing acidity of aquatic habitats caused by acid rain also has major deleterious effects on amphibian distribution (Carey et al 2001). This is also true of pesticide contaminants that can persist in the environment for a long time and travel long distances via the atmosphere (Lips 1998; Relyea & Mills 2001). Alterations in local weather conditions caused by global climate change can also be harmful to frog populations. A reduction in rainfall, brought on by deforestation, can have a detrimental effect on amphibian reproduction as the specific timing and duration of rainfall act to trigger breeding (Blaustein & Wake 1995; Lips 1998; Alexander & Eischeid 2001). The effects of all these factors reinforce the claim that amphibians can act as valuable bio-indicators of the environment. Furthermore, as Wake stated in 1991, modern amphibians are highly resilient, having been on this planet for more than one million years. Therefore a decline in population now is clearly significant and the potential deleterious consequences this could have for other species is excellent justification for continued research into their global status.

14 3.1 Amphibian status in Brazil and the Atlantic forest

In Brazil the largest number of amphibians species in the world is represented. (Amphibiaweb, 2005 )There are 731 species of which 467 endemic. The Atlantic forest is home for large number of amphibians as many as 40 species can occur per hectare , many of which are endemic. (Amphibiaweb, 2005). For the distribution of threatened frog species in the Atlantic forest see fig 2.2.

Fig 2.2 Distribution of threatened frogs in the Atlantic rainforest. (Global amphibians, 2005)

This research project wants to contribute to the extension of knowledge about habitat preferences of frog species in the Atlantic Forest and to add more conservation value to the Iracambi area with the knowledge of species diversity present.

15 4 Research outline The Atlantic forest is a highly threatened ecosystem of which we only know little about species which live here. More than 90% is already gone, but not all is lost. With more knowledge about the remains of the forest its conservation can become a fact. This research determinates the diversity of frog species occurring in the Iracambi area.

4.1 Aims, hypotheses and objectives

Research aims: -To access the diversity of frog species of Iracambi by habitat in order to determinate which areas are most important for conservation. -To create a basis for future researchers who in a later stage can built a database with year-to- year information on frog diversity and population abundance

Hypotheses:

- Frog diversity is assumed to be the highest within 25 meters of a water source and with little disturbance by human activities. This water source has edge and water vegetation.

-Most species and highest abundance will be found during rainfall

Specific objectives:

-Determine the different land use of Iracambi area -Describe research areas with IUCN criteria -Collect water samples in research areas to draw conclusions about health -Record all frog species found in research areas or other places on Iracambi, report in what microhabitat the species was found, what the weather circumstances where and put the data in GIS maps In order to determine species richness of an area, and species composition. -Record frog calls and link them to pictures and scientific name -Use calls to determine approximate abundance

16 4.2 Research methods and materials

This study was carried out in the period from 25 October 2004 till 26 February 2005. In aseasonal tropical environments, like that of Minas Gerais, the breeding season of most species are typically associated with the rainseason (Hoogmoed and Gorzula, 1979). The frog have the highest activity in this season and are more easy to be detected. For the data collection for the project the following materials where used:

• Digital camera, Olympus mju 400 all weather • GPS • Olympus pearlcorder S711, micro cassette recorder. • Flash light • Self made net • Bucket • Gloves • Pencil and paper • Ruler • Rubber boots • Waterproof clothing • Umbrella • Water testing Water quality was tested by a laboratory in Muriae. • Species determination To determine the species the following books where used: -Cochran, D.M. 1995. Frogs of Southeastern Brazl. Smithsonin Instutution. Washington, D.C. -Feio, N.R. 1998. Anfibios do Parque Estudual do Rio Doce (Minas Gerais) Universidade de Federal de Vicosa, Brasil -Kwet, A.&Di-Bernardo, M. 1999. Pro-Mata Anfibios. Amphibien. Amphibians. EDIPUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brasil

During this study most of the collection took place after dawn between 20:00 and 22:00 under different weather circumstances. Some collection took place during the day while raining (In the breeding season some frogs are know to call during the day when it is raining, Anfibios do Parque Estudual do Rio Doce, Feio. R, 1998). Study sites were selected so that all the different habitats in Iracambi area were covered. Surveys were conducted at 9 sites, which are described in chapter 5. Frogs were detected by using visual encounter and/or acoustic survey (for description and why these methods where used see below). After detection the specimen was caught with a net or hands with gloves and put in a bucket. If it was not possible to catch the specimen a digital picture was taken from the frog without catching. This was done every time in case the frog would escape before a picture could be taken. Information recording included a digital picture, location of species with microhabitat, abundance of each species by counting calls and climate variables rain and cloud cover. Rain was recorded as no rain, little rain or hard rain and cloud cover as clear, partly clouded or clouded. The research areas where entered in the GPS and uploaded on the computer in GIS. This way the areas are put on the map of Iracambi..

17 Visual Encounter Survey Visual encounter surveys are used for rapid assessments and evaluation of larger areas. An area or habitat is searched for individuals. The resulting data are expressed in numbers of individuals of a certain species found in an area. It can be used to determine species richness of an area, species composition of a local assemblage, and to estimate relative abundances of species within an assemblage (CRUMP & SCOTT 1994). This method can be used as a qualitative, supplementary tool in order to establish an approximately complete picture of the composition of the local amphibian species. Using this method in sampling habitats that do not occur within standardized transects may yield additional data and contribute to the completion of species inventory lists. Efficiency: efficient for species inventory purposes.

Standardized Transect Sampling (acoustic sampling) As in the most of frog species, males in reproductive condition use species-specific calls to show their position to potential mates and rivals, this species-specific behavior can be used by using acoustic monitoring techniques for sampling individual species. Audio strip transects represent one of the commonly used methods for acoustic monitoring. All calling individuals are counted. Counts can then be used to estimate abundance of calling males, species composition as well as breeding habitat use of species. Furthermore this technique allows detecting species that, despite their potential abundance may be underestimated when only using visual techniques. As opposed to visual sampling, it is of course impossible to determine individual parameters, other than sex and species. Also microhabitat description is not always possible. In those cases the description can be based on data obtained from general habitat characterization of the research area. Efficiency: highly efficient and indispensable in sampling of species that are more readily detected by their calls than by sight, e.g. most of the arboreal species. This work enables both amateur and professional biologists make sense of the variety of frog calls one hears and enabeling field biologists to assess frog populations rapidly as most species can be identified from their call alone.

18 4.3 Description of research areas

Research area’s were chosen so that most of the habitats of Iracambi were covered. This way species composition compared and it was possible for 1 person to visit them all the same amount of times in the research period. These include:

-Eucalyptus Research area 6 on Fig. 3.1 The area consists of introduced vegetation (IUCN, 2004) and measures approximately 200m x 300m. The area is situated between secondary forest, grassland and a road. Ground vegetation is very limited; scrubby grass of max 15cm. Eucalyptus uses much water and therefore the ground is dry. Disturbance: Eucaliptus is a non-native species in Brasil.

-Sugar cane Research area 7 on Fig 3.1 The area consists of planted sugar cane, Introduced vegetation, arable land (IUCN, 2004), which is harvested one time a year between June and September. It measures approximately 15m x 150m with a stream on one long and short side, a small road on the other side separates the sugar cane from secondary forest. On the other short side is grassland. Disturbance: two times a year the sugar cane is harvested.

-Secondary forest Research area 5 on Fig. 3.1 The area consist of secondary forest which is approximately 25 years old. The area is approximately m x m. A water stream runs along the trail. There are several small clear water surrounded by scrubby vegetation and swamp like muddy areas. All of the area has high trees (>10m) and 50-100% ground vegetation. Disturbance: Unknown.

-Grassland Research area 9 on Fig. 3.1 The area consists of Pastureland (IUCN, 2004) and is approximately 50m x 100m. A small slow stream of about 20cm deep runs trough the area. This stream has 100% edge vegetation consisting of grass and reed. Reed also grow in the water. The grassland is grazed by cows, but the grass grows up to 25cm. Behind the stream the grass is flooded and very muddy. Disturbance: Cows graze in this area.

- shallow Research area 1 on Fig. 3.1 The area consists of Shrub Dominated Wetland (IUCN, 2004) and is approximately 25m x 50m. The area is situated in secondary forest with a fast stream on one side. The area has 10-15cm of standing water 90% grown with scrubs up to 1 meter. The water is very muddy. Disturbance: Unknown

-Pond shallow Research area 2 on Fig. 3.1 The area consist of Seasonal/Intermittent Freshwater Marshes/Pools (IUCN,2004) and is approximately 6m x 30m and 30cm deep. (In the beginning of the rainseason, October, it was approximately 10cm deep). There is a road on one side, grassland with horses and cows on the other and regenerated forest on a short side. The banks are all composed of grass and reed species except for one side where larger scrubs

19 and trees grow. In the water grows reed up to 50 cm, about 30% of the water is open and clear. Disturbance: Unknown, sometimes cows walk in the water.

-Pond Research area 8 on Fig. 3.1 The area consist of a Permanent fresh water pool( IUCN, 2004) and is approximately 20m x 15m and 2m deep. The pool is artificial and had steep banks. The surrounding area consist of grassland, a fast stream on one side and a few small (2-5m) trees on the other. The grass around it is cut a couple of times a year. There is no water vegetation. Disturbance: The edgevegetation is cut way every 1-2 months.

-Pond Research area 3 and 4 on Fig. 3.1 The area consists of a Aqua culture pond (IUCN, 2004) and is approximatly m x m and 1,5 m deep. The surrounding area is pasture with cows and horses, roads and houses. Fish are bred in the ponds. The bank vegetation is grass and reed up to 50cm and on one side there is vegetation in the water. Disturbance: Fish live in the ponds

Fig. 3.1 Research areas

For a picture of the different research areas see appendix 2.

20 5 Results

In total 45 nights of collection took place. See Appendix 4 for the datasheet. In the total of nine habitats 22 species where found. See appendix 5 for excel sheet of species with areas used, microhabitat, present in what weather, present in what temperature range and maximum distance from water. Several species were found more frequently than others of which some where only found one or two times.

5.1 Number of frog species per reseach area research area species found of wich found only here

1 0 0 2 12 3 3,4 7 1 5 2 1 6 0 0 7 1 unknown 8 7 1 9 7 2 Fig 4.1

In Area 1 no species where found. 12 species where found in area 2, the temporary pond, what makes this the area with the highest frog diversity. 3 species, Hyla crepitans, Phyllamedusa burmeisteri and Physalaemus curveiri, where only found in this area. In area 3 and 4, the artificial ponds, seven species where found with only one species, Elachtistocheis ovalis, that occurred in no other place. Area 5, the secondary forest, had two species with one only occuring in that area, Eleutherodactylus binotatus. In area 6, Eucaliptus, no species where found and in area 7, sugar cane, 1 unidentified species was heard but only in a maximum distance from 10 meter to the water. In sugar cane areas further from the water none species where heard. Area 8, the artificial pond had seven species of wich one species, Hyla sp., was only found here. Area 9, grassland had seven species of wich two species,Eleutherodactylus sp. And Hyla albopunctata, where only found in this area. For the other species found in the research areas see Appendix 5.

5.2 Species occurrence in relation to weather and temperature Every night the temperture and the weather was written down to see if frog species responded to these extrinsic factors. In Eleutherodactylus binotatus, Hyla albomarginata, Hyla minuta, Hyla semillineata, Phyllomedus burmeisteri, cuspidatus, Hyla saborni, Leptodactylus ocellatus, scinax euridice, , Scinax cf. Berthae and Hyla sp. temperature seemed to be of no importance. The species occurred in low and high temperatures.

Elachtistocleis ovalis occured all collecting night except one time when the temperature was 23,5C in combination with clear weather.

21 Hyla faber was only seen when the temperature was above 20C. Hyla leucophyllata was only seen in temperatures above 20C.

In most of the species the weather seemed to have no influence on the occurrence except: burmeisteri was only seen on clear nights with no rain. Hyla faber was seen in all weather conditions, but not in heavy rainstorms.

Scinax euridice, Scinax cf Berthae, Hyla minuta and Hyla punctata where encountered almost every time.

Hyla pardalis, Physalaemus curveiri and Scinax sp., where only seen one time, Leptodactylus occelatus and Hyla crepitans two times and Leucophyllata three times.

22 5.3 Frog species of Iracambi

The following frog spiecies where found in this reseach. For a picture of the species see appendix 3. Some frog spiecies where not identified, these have a discription and a corresponding number whit their picture. The GIS areas can be found in fig. 4.3.

Elachtistocheis ovalis Size 20-30mm. Body ovoid, head small and triangular. Dorsum dark brown to yellowish brown, finely dotted. Belly yellowish or yellow. Throat dark in female, yellow in male. Narrow orange, yellow or white line on the back of the thigh. Call: A very high buzzing sound, easily mixed up with the sound of a cicade. Where to be found: Living in open grassland, during the breeding season at small temporary water bodies such as puddles, pasture land or flooded areas. GIS map area: 3 and 4 Picture: 2

Eleutherodactylus binotatus Size 25-34mm Call: tape 1, Sound 8. Very soft kwak with long pause between kwaks. 2 times on tape. Found on secret valley trail on ground or ground plants. Where to be found: It lives in primary and secondary forest and forest edges, but not in more open areas. It is usually found in the leaf litter on the forest floor, or on leaves in low vegetation inside the forest. It breeds by direct development. GIS map area: 5 Picture: 8

Eleutherodactylus sp. Call: Tape 1, Sound 7. Very slow crack. Ignore high tone, this is a cricket. 2 times on tape with pause between cracks About every 2 minutes of minutes repeated.. See picture 11b en c Euleuthereodactylus sp.. Found on secret valley trail. Very hard to find, in trees. Where to be found: Because I don’t know what species it is it is difficult to say in which area it normally occurs. I found 3 specimens in grassland and in no other area what I think indicates that they prefer this area. GIS map area: 9 Picture: 7

Hyalinobatrachium sp. Small species that lived in forest and lays it eggs on leaves that hang above the water. Where to be found: Found one time on the mountain slope of Itajuru Call: unknown Picture: 13

Hyla sp. Call: Tape 2, Sound 4.A very strange sound, load high short squeek. Where to be found: Found in grass on the left of the road to the Viveiro before you cross the little stream. GIS map: 2 Picture: 28

23 Hyla albomarginata The Albomarginata is of medium size (about 5cm), and its distinguishing characteristics are a green coloring on its back, orange colored webbing between its fingers, and a whitish patch of skin above the cloaca. Call: Tape 1, Sound 6. The species song is an irregularly repeated cry, generally emitted from groups of 4 or 5. Where to be found: The greatest period of activity for this amphibian is during the rainy season, when it is frequently found hidden in shrubs near ponds and swamps, on the ground, or on floating aquatic plants. Found in square artificial pond in front of Center in the trees on the right. Albomarginatas at a time. GIS map area: 2 Picture: 3,4

Hyla albopunctata The coloration of the species varies from yellow to light brown with dark stripes across the back. The Albopunctata’s characteristic feature is an elongated snout with a dark lateral stripe and yellow spots on the posterior part of the thighs. Call: Frog tape 1, Sound 1. Cracking, start soft, later loader cracking. Where to be found: This species is common in open areas such as ponds and dams but rarely within forests. The Albopunctata, typical of Brazil’s scrubland areas, appears to be expanding its areas of distribution, most likely due to the accelerated deforestation of the Atlantic Rainforest. Found in small stream in grassland (walk from Center, after passing first sugar cane field on the left) GIS map area: 9 Picture: 12,19

Hyla crepitans Call: unknown Where to be found: This species has a variety of habitats, ranging from humid tropical forests, semiarid environments, , llanos, intervening habitats and lower mountain forests. It is an arboreal nocturnal species, found on leaves of trees, on shrubs and other vegetation near watercourses. The species breeds in temporary pools at the beginning of the rainy season. Specimens are occasionally also found on the ground. It is possible to find this species in severely degraded habitats including urban areas and human dwellings. GIS map area: 3 and 4 Picture: 1

Hyla faber Faber is quite large (about 10cm), The Faber is a uniform yellow-brown in color, with the majority possessing a dark line from the tip of the snout reaching to the middle of its back and striped thighs. Call: It possesses a loud, characteristic song that has earned its common name as the blacksmith or hammer toad Where to be found: The Faber is a species with wide distribution, reaching from the east to the south of Brazil, from low to hilly regions and occurring in scrublands and the Atlantic rainforest. During the rainy season, the Faber can be easily observed singing in open. Found in pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right. Also heard in grassland. Not heard in forest.

24 GIS map area: 2 and 9 Picture: 11

Hyla leucophyllata Yellow with square shaped markings on back and legs. Call: unknown Where to be found: This frog is usually found at night on leaves and branches around ponds in tropical rain forest or open areas. In Santa Cecilia, Ecuador, individuals were found in secondary forest. It also occurs in cerrado and gallery forest in northeastern Maranhao, Brazil. GIS map area: 2 Picture: 9,10

Hyla minuta Dorsum orange brown, brown or tan, usually with two dark, parallel, longitudinal bands. Body coloration nearly white in species sleeping during the day on vegetation. Belly whitish. Throat yellow in males. Yellow with irregular markings Call: TJIP!tjiptjip, a very high, one tone load tjilping. Usually make a sound on same time as sound 5 tape 1. Species look very alike. Where to be found: Found in pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right. This is one of the most common amphibians of South America found largely in Brazil. It is an inhabitant of tropical moist forests (including clearings), forest edge, and marshes. Although it is especially common in the lowlands, where the frogs congregate in large numbers at temporary ponds in the forest, it is also common around roadside ditches and puddles in the cloud forest on the steep slopes and at grassy ponds. It colonizes man-made standing water caused by agricultural activities and the constructions of roads. GIS map area:2, 9 Picture: 15,16

Hyla pardalis Juvinile 0.7cm, white with res spots all over body. Belly white. Adults 2,5cm. Dorsal lightbrown, darkbrown, belly white. Call: Unknown Where to be found: It inhabits the borders of the Atlantic rainforest, and is also in gallery forests. It occurs on vegetation or on the ground near or in temporary or permanent water bodies.It builds clay nests, and the larvae develop in water. It adapts well to anthropogenic disturbance and does well in disturbed areas. GIS map area: Casa Nova Picture: 22

Hyla saborni A very small frog 16mm-19mm. Dorsal reddish, orange,, yellowish brown or gray. Usually with rows of fine, dark longitudinal arranged dots. Belly whitish. Call: Tape 1,Sound 3. Load metal like clicking Short monotonous, light-pitched. Where to be found: Open habitats and in the breeding season at small water bodies such as ponds, ditches, puddles

25 or flooded areas. Found in flooded grassland after crossing the little stream mentioned above. GIS map area: 9 Picture: 25

Hyla semilineata The Semilineata is a medium-sized amphibian (4.5cm), with a dark black or chestnut dorsal colour and the lateral surface of its body showing dark spots contrasting against a translucent background. The legs and arms have fine dark stripes. The Semilineata has a typical heel appendage, which can be used to easily identify the species. Call: Different in the different areas. In area 5 it was a one tone low crack that was repeated every minute. In 3, 4 it was a soft cry, similar like a puppy. Where to be found: The Semilineata occurs in the coastal regions of Brazil, from the state of Alagoas to Santa Catararina. However, the species has also been registered within the SPRD, an interior region of the state of Minas Gerais, thus showing growth within its area of distribution. The Semilineata is an interesting species, as when it is handled it will ‘play dead’ a typical behaviour called ‘tanatose’. The use of this strategy is interpreted as a tactic to disinterest a potential predator and to make it hard to spot. The species has been observed vocalizing principally within the dry season, always occupying vegetation close to ponds and dams. GIS map area: 3,4,5 Picture: 17,18,26

Leptodactylus ocellatus 90-120mm. Dorsum dark, gray or reddish brown with prominent longitudinal folds and large white edged spots. Belly whitish scarcely mottled with gray. Throat dark spotted. Call: Tape 2, sound 1, Low quaking. Short low monotonous notes. Where to be found: Inhabits open grassland, usually found at ponds in pasture, small lakes or flooded areas. During the dayand by night frogs frequently rest at margin of pond. Found in tree/bush in front of Center. Walk down and before you turn left to go to the Viveiro you see a bush at the corner at the left. GIS map area:2 Picture: 27

Phyllomedusa burmeisteri A relatively large species (about 8cm). The species is green in color, with the back being entirely green, with yellow spots ringed with blue on the lateral parts of its body and legs. The Burmeisteri’s stomach is grayish-brown, with white spots, and also has white spots on the tips of its toes, that appear as though its toenails have been painted. When handled, the species generally presents defensive behavior, trying hide and pretending that it’s dead, likely to disinterest a possible predator. The Burmeisteri usually moves slowly, and rarely jumps as a means of movement. Call:unknown Where to be found: It is mainly known from the Atlantic Forest edge. The Burmeisteri occurs in various areas of central and southeastern Brazil. This species vocalizes and spawns in bushes and leaves, in wells or near brooks and small streams. Once hatched, the Burmeisteri fall from the bushes in which they were spawned and complete their growth in the water.

26 It probably adapts well to moderate anthropogenic disturbance. GIS map area: 2 Picture: 6

Physalaemis curveiri Call: unknown Where to be found: found only one time dogged in scrub near pond GIS map area: 2 Picture: 24

Scinax cf berthae 19-24mm. When calling at night they are yellow. Dorsum reddish, brown, yellowish or golden, with one dark interocular spot and two broad, slightly curved, longitudinal stripes. Belly white or yellowish. Call: Tape 1,Sound 5. High pitched, chirping and insect like TJIPtjiptjip Where to be found: Living in open habitats, during breeding season found at small water bodies such as ponds or puddles. Found in temporary pond. After passing the Viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you will see it on the right. GIS map area: 2 and 9 Picture: 21

Scinax cuspidatus Call: A Rattleling sound of two tones Prrrri Prrrraa. First high, second low. Where to be found: Found in the big ponds near Casa Angola. GIS map area: 3,4 Picture: 23

Scinax eurydice A medium (5cm) sized specie, the Euryduce has two characteristic stripes in the shape of commas located just behind its eyes. The Eurydice has fine dark stripes on its arms and legs, contrasting with a lighter background colour. Call: Tape 2, Sound 8 Uhm uhm uhm uhm. Where to be found: Occuring from the south of Bahia to Rio de Janeiro, the Eurydice has been registered is many parts of Minas Gerais. It is an adaptable species that lives in primary and secondary forest, on forest edges, and in a variety of open habitats. It has also been found inside houses. It is often found on low vegetation near ponds, lakes or flooded areas. It breeds in temporary and permanent ponds. During the rainy season the Eurydice can be found vocalizing in vegetation on the banks on lakes and in flooded areas. Found in temporary pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right GIS map area: 2,3,4 Picture: 5

Scinax perereca Call: Tape 1, Sound 4 Cracking. Where to be found: It is known only from a few localities in the states of São Paulo south to Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil; northeastern Misiones Province in Argentina; and a few localities in southern Oriental Region of Paraguay. Its altitudinal range is from 0 - 1,000m asl.

27 After passing the Viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right. It occurs in forest and forest edges. It reproduces in temporary and permanent pools (including artificial pools and water-filled tire tracks on dirt roads). It occurs in secondary forest. Found in trees near temporary pond and in trees near artificial pond. GIS area: 2, 3,4 Picture: non

Scinax fuscovarius Medium sized (6cm), the Fuscovarious has a brown dorsal area with dark spots, and the posterior part of the thighs have yellow spots. Call: unknown Where to be found: A species with ample distribution throughout south and southeastern Brazil, the Fuscovarius is common within Minas Gerais. The species is frequently encountered in house bathrooms, occupying drains, pipes, and other hydraulic cavities, giving it the common name of ‘’bathroom perereca’. It is mostly frequently seen in opens areas with still water, vocalizing from the ground or in slightly higher vegetation. GIS map area: In sink Centre and 2 Picture: 20

Scinax sp. Medium sized (5cm). The dorsum is grey with small white/yellowish points all over, belly white. Toes have small webbing. The eyes are red. No picture taken beause no camera available. Call: Unknown Where to be found: Habitat unknown, found in Casa Escondida Picture: non

28 5.4 Results watersamples

From all research areas (where water was present) a water sample was taken. Two streams where also included in this reseach because Robin, the director of Iracambi wanted to get more information about these.

Watersample results Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Colour * 83 16 13 9 18 37 U.C Iron 22,3 4,3 0,35 0,65 0,53 0,18 2,9 mg/L Fe Nitrate 4,5 1,4 1,3 1,6 <1,0 1 1,7 mg/L NO3 Ph 6,56 6,16 6,21 7,05 6,43 6,98 5,99 Turbidity * 27 5 3 2 5 11 N.T.U Fig. 5.1

The maximum permitted values according to `Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater` of these is: Iron: 0,3 mg/L Colour: in a well 30 UC Nitrate: 20 mg/L Turbidity : in a well 10 UNT

Research areas where number as followed: 1=research area 1 2=research area 2 3=research area 8 4=stream in front of Center, no research area 5=stream just after gate from Center, no research area 6=research area 5 7=research area 3

In all the samples except number 5 the iron concentration is to high. In sample 1 the Iron concentration is more than 74 times the permitted value an because this the colour and turbidity test did not work. Nitrate is good in all samples. The Ph in all samples says that the water is almost neutral, not acid or basish. The colour is only to high in sample 2. This means that there are much particles in the water, it is not clear. The turbidity is also to high in sample 2. This means that there are very much particles in the water.

See also Appendix 6.

29 6 Conclusion

6.1 Watersamples conclusion

The Iron concentration in all reseach areas is to high. One explanation for this is erosion caused by deforestation in the area. An iron concentration of 4,3 mg/L is still tolerable by frogs because this is the case in the research area with the highest frog diversity. A concentration of 22,3C is to high because no frogs where found in the area with this concentration. There is information on iron tolerance about levels between 4,3 and 22,3 mg/L Fe.

The Ph was neutral in all the research areas wich is in most species preffered for egg and tadpole development.

Colour and turbidity where the highest in the research area 2 with the highest frog diversity and could not be measured in the area with no frogs. It is possible that frogs prefer areas with a high colour and turbidity concentration.

Nitrate is below 20 mg/L in all samples. The preferred level of frogs is not known.

6.2 Frog species In total there where 22 frog species found in 9 research areas at Iracambi. For a list of the species see appendix 5.

6.3 Habitat with frog diversity

Most frogs, 12 out of 22, preferred area 2. An shallow temporary pool with smooth edges covered with reed, grass and some trees, water vegetation, high colour and turbidity conentration. There was no visible disturbance by humans. 3 species where found only in this area. In are 3,4 7 species where found of wich one only found here. In area 8 7 species where found of wich one only found here In are 9 also 7 species where found of wich two only found here. In are 5 two species where found of wich one only found here.

These 5 areas are very important for the frogs found only in this area as well as to the species more widley disributed. This way frog species can migrate what is good for keeping the gene flow high what is important to keep genetic diversity high for healthy populations.

Area 1 and 6 had no frogs. Area 6 is the non-native Eucaliptus, this is possibly why no frogs where found here. Area 1 looked like a perfect frog habitat: shallow water and water and edge vegetation. But the iron concentration need to be lowered drastically for the frogs to come (back) to this area. In area 7 only 1 frog species was heard within 10 meter from a water source. It is possible in this species the male uses the sugar cane as a good calling place and the female lays eggs in the water source.

30 6.4 Frog occurrence in relation to weather

In Eleutherodactylus binotatus, Hyla albomarginata, Hyla minuta, Hyla semillineata, Phyllomedus burmeisteri, , Hyla saborni, Leptodactylus ocellatus, scinax euridice, Scinax perereca, Scinax cf. Berthae and Hyla sp. temperature seemed to be of no importance. The species occurred in low and high temperatures. Elachtistocleis ovalis occured all collecting night except one time when the temperature was 23,5 in combination with clear weather. Hyla faber was only seen when the temperature was above 20C. Hyla leucophyllata was only seen in temperatures above 20C. In most of the species the weather seemed to have no influence on the occurrence except: Phyllomedusa burmeisteri was only seen on clear nights with no rain. Hyla faber was seen in all weather conditions, but not in heavy rainstorms. Scinax euridice, Scinax cf Berthae, Hyla minuta and Hyla punctata where encountered almost every time. Hyla pardalis, Physalaemus curveiri and Scinax sp., where only seen one time, Leptodactylus occelatus and Hyla crepitans two times and Leucophyllata three times.

No frogs where specifically only seen when it was raining. Some where seen only on clear nights and some did not show any preferences. More research is needed in order to see what species prefer what weater circumstances.

6.5 Final conclusion In Iracambi 22 frogspecies where found, each with there own habitat preferences. Iracambi holds a high diversity of habitats what makes it an important area for frogs and thus conservation.

See Appendix 5 for an overview of the conclusion.

31 7 Discussion

Habitats and life hisory are major problems for those seeking frogs. Most are highly secretive in their habits and may spend there life underground or on inaccessible mountain slopes. Their activities are highly seasonal. In tropical species breeding may occur over an extended period of the year, so monitoring has to take place over many weeks or months. This survey took place over an period of 4 months in the breeding season, but there is a chance some species were not recorded because they go to breeding sites on very short specific times. This research was done by one person, what means that not the whole area was included in the research because there was not enough time. Also some species will stop calling when they sense the presence of the researcher. I could never find and identify the frog species calling from the sugar cane.

In this research only calling animals where discovered due to the rough areas and perfect camouflage of the frogs. Ocassionally a non calling animal was seen. This can have influence on the number of species found. Although it was breeding season, where all species call, it is possible that not all species where discovered.

The ratio of an index of the number of animals present may not only vary in relation to extrinsic factors, but also in relation to population density itself. Frog calls may increase if others call nearby. And on the other hand, they call less if less frogs are calling. because it is very hard to tell them apart. In this report the species making the uhm uhm uhm sound was taken for and the one making the cracking sound was taken for scinax perereca.

Although widely used and recommended , pit fall traps where not used. Especially in long- term field studies within temperate regions, pit fall traps and drift fences proved to be the least effective method. DONNELLY et al. (2001) report on similar experiences using this method in a survey on the herpetofauna of Iwokrama forest, Guyana. They collected only six species (out of a total of 132 species of amphibians and reptiles being recorded), none of them uniquely found by this method. Also with pitfall traps it is not sure from how far the species were drawn, making it hard to say how big the actual research area is.

The frog species occurrence in relation to weather and temperature is not scientifically valueable because some species where seen only a couple of times or one time and there not enough data is available. A survey specified on this subject could give more information about this. Aldo data about several species was not found.

32 8 Future research

In Iracambi this was the first study done on frog species diversity. Now the basics are set future researchers can continue and extend the study with the help of the pictures and sound recordings.

Because the breeding season (raining season) runs from October till February (4 months) it is necessary to perform the study in these months. In other months the frogs will be very hard or impossible to find, because they call a little or not (which depends on the species) and the activity is very low due to the dry season. Also data will vary if research is performed in other months and cannot be compared. This also counts for the research areas. The same research areas must be used in order to compare historical data.

The optimal situation is when the frog research is performed every year for at least 2 months in the rainy season, this in order to assess whether the diversity is changing. It would be even better to determine population densities and compare these year after year, determination forms the basics for population density studies. Also the species occurrence in relation to weather and temperature could be of importance to asses the damage for example climate change can bring to a population.

Changes in the ecosystem are first noticed by amphibians, thus by monitoring frog populations these changes can be noticed in an early stage. This way instead of treating a problem, people can prefent future problems.

33 9 Literature list

Alexander, M.A. & Eischeid, J.K. (2001). Climate variability in regions of amphibian declines. Conservation Biology, 15, 938-942.

Alford, R.A. & Richards, S.J. (1999) Global amphibian declines: a problem in applied ecology. Annual Review of Ecology Systematics, 30, 133-165.

Barinaga, M. (1990) Where have all the Froggies gone ? Science, 247, 1033 – 1034

Beebee, T.J.C. (1996) Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians. Chapman and Hall.

Berger, L. Speare, R., Daszak, P., Green, D.E., Cunningham, A.A. et al (1998) Chytridomycosis causes amphibian mortality associated with population decline in the rainforests of Australia and Central America. Proceedings National Academy Science USA, 95, 9031-9036.

Blaustein, A.R. & Wake, D.B. (1995) The Puzzle of Declining Amphibian Populations Scientific American, 272, 56 – 61.

Blaustein, A. R., J. M. Kiesecker, D. P. Chivers, and R. G. Anthony. 1997. Ambient UV-B radiation causes deformities in amphibian embryos. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 94:13735-13737.

Blaustein, A. R., and D. B. Wake. 1995. The Puzzle of Declining Amphibian Populations. Scientific American 272:52-57.

Boone, M. D., and C. M. Bridges. 2003. Effects of pesticides on amphibian populations. Pages 152-167 in R. D. Semlitsch, editor. Amphibian Conservation. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

Bury, R.B. (1999). A historical perspective and critique of the declining amphibian crisis. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 27, 1064-1068.

Carey, C., and M. A. Alexander. 2003. Climate change and amphibian declines: is there a link? Diversity and Distributions 9:111-121.

Carey, C., Heyer, R. Wilkinson, J., Alford, R., Arntzen, J., Halliday, T., Hungerfod, L., Lips, K., Middleton, E., Orchard, S. & Rand, A. (2001) Amphibian declines and environmental change: use of remote sensing data to identify environmental correlates. Conservation Biology, 15, 903-913.

Clark, K. L., and B. D. Lazerte. 1985. A Laboratory Study of the Effects of Aluminum and Ph on Amphibian Eggs and Tadpoles. Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences 42:1544-1551.

Cochran, D.M. 1995. Frogs of Southeastern Brazl. Smithsonin Instutution. Washington, D.C.

34 Dodd, C. K., and L. L. Smith. 2003. Habitat destruction and alteration: historical trends and future prospects for amphibians. Pages 94-112 in R. D. Semlitsch, editor. Amphibian Conservation. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

Duellman, W.E. & Trueb, L. (1994) Biology of Amphibians. John Hopkins University Press.

Emmett, D. A, Fanning, E. Olsson, 2003, Forest research methodology training manual. Frontier Madagaskar.

Feio, N.R. 1998. Anfibios do Parque Estudual do Rio Doce (Minas Gerais) Universidade de Federal de Vicosa, Brasil

Galindo-Leal, C., and Gusmao Camara de, Ibsen. 2003. The Atlantic forest of South America. Island press, Washington, Covelo, London.

Hayes, T., K. Haston, M. Tsui, A. Hoang, C. Haeffele, and A. Vonk. 2002a. Herbicides: Feminization of male frogs in the wild. Nature 419:895-896.

Hecnar, S. J., and R. T. M'Closkey. 1997. Changes in the composition of a ranid frog community following bullfrog extinction. American Midland Naturalist 137:145-150.

Houlahan, J.E., Findlay, C.S., Schidt, B.R., Meyer, A.H. & Kuzmin, S.L. (2000). Quantitative evidence for global amphibian population declines. Nature 404 : 752- 755

Kiesecker, J. M., A. R. Blaustein, and L. K. Belden. 2001. Complex causes of amphibian population declines. Nature 410:681-684.

Kwet, A.&Di-Bernardo, M. 1999. Pro-Mata Anfibios. Amphibien. Amphibians. EDIPUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brasil

Langhelle, A., J. Lindell Mans, and P. Nystrom. 1999. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on amphibian embryonic and larval development. Journal of Herpetology 33:449-456.

Lips, K.R. (1998) Decline of a tropical montane amphibian fauna. Conservation Biology, 12,106-117.

Marsh, D.M., & Trenham, P.C. (2000) Metapopulation dynamics and amphibian conservation. Conservation Biology, 15, 40-49.

Marsh, D. M., and P. C. Trenham. 2001. Metapopulation dynamics and amphibian conservation. Conservation Biology 15:40-49. Hanski, I. 1999. Metapopulation ecology. Oxford University Press:i-ix, 1-313.

Middleton, E.M., Herman, J.R., Celarier, E.A., Wilkinson J.W., Carey, C. & Rusin, R.J. (2001). Evaluating ultra violet radiation exposure with satellite data at sites of amphibian declines in Central and South America. Conservation Biology, 15, 914-929.

35 Pechmann, J.H.K., Scott, D.E., Semlitsch, R.D., Caldwell, J.P., Vitt, L.J. & Gibbons, J.W. (1991) Declining amphibian populations: the problem of separating human impacts from natural fluctuations. Science, 253, 892-895.

Sutherland, W. J. 1996. Ecologial census techniques, Cambridge University ress, Camebridge.

Wake, D.B. (1991) Declining Amphibian Populations. Science, 253, 860.

Internet http://www.globalamphibians.org/ http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/html http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/atlantic_forest/full_strategy.xml Citation: AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. 2005.

IUCN, 2004 http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sis/authority.htm. Habitats authority file

http://users.netonecom.net/~mlj/mlj/links_jobs.html http://www.ecojobs.com/ http://www.environmentalcareer.com/ http://www.nmnh.si.edu/rtp/students/2002/virtualposterinfo/poster_2002_cisneros_here dia.htm glassfrogs http://conbio.net/SCB/services/jobs/index.cfm?CFID=7743674&CFTOKEN=13258786 The best one!!! Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative http://armi.usgs.gov/. jobs

• South African Frog Calls (1995) By N. I. Passmore & V. C.Carruthers Southern Book Publishers (Pty)Ltd.

• Frogs and Frogging in Southern Africa (2001) By Vincent Carruthers Struick Publishers http://www.crees-manu.org/home.htm peru research center and job openings! http://www.responsibletravel.com/TripSearch/Volunteer%20travel/Activity100097%2E htm responsibletravel http://www.stri.org/english/research/programs/conservation/index.php

36 Tropical research institute www.obfs.org/courses/ field biology courses http://www.aultimaarcadenoe.com/anfibiosfaunabibliingles.htm Brazilian fauna research topics http://www.ideawild.org/projectlist.php?Region=South%20America projectlist www.biotaneotropica.org.br/ v4n2/pt/fullpaper?bn03704022004+en research on frogs on rocks http://www.poison-frogs.nl/e02.html everything about keeping http://www.scserp.com/SCS_Photo_Gallery_Amphibians_Frogs_and_Toads.htm kikkers te koop en verzorging http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/eungella-frog/ recovery plan for stream dwelling frogs. Very good! http://mampam.50megs.com/polillo/2001/pdf/Frogreportdraft.PDF http://www.google.com.br/search?q=cache:YA0VCyjc9S8J:mampam.50megs.com/polill o/2001/pdf/Frogreportdraft.PDF+frog+collecting+rainforest+techniques&hl=pt-BR research on frogs on Pollilo Islands, very good! http://uk.geocities.com/craspedopus/frogs_on_line/frogs_on_line.html Guide to the calls of frogs in Ecuadorian Amazon http://www.lib.unb.ca/Texts/Forest/bin/get7.cgi?directory=MX205/&filename=beazley.h tml Indicator species http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/02/11/frog.safari.reut/index.html frog safari http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0407_040407_endangeredanimals.ht ml Protected areas don’t save wildlife http://www.expeditions.ed.ac.uk/Proposals/Phase%20IV_Anuran.doc Researchproject leptopelis vermiculatus

37 Literature list Writing plan http://www.globalamphibians.org/ I can type the name and then everything about it comes up. Also search species on habitat etc. http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/extinct.html write to amphibian web if I have recent information on frogs

Frog links http://ca.dir.yahoo.com/science/biology/zoology/animals__insects__and_pets/reptiles_and_a mphibians/frogs_and_toads/?sort=lf

• red list status by family http://www.globalamphibians.org/assessment.htm

• Atlantic rainforest The atlantic rainforest of South America Biodiversity, status, threats and outlook (state of the hotspots) http://www.cepf.net/xp/cepf/where_we_work/atlantic_forest/full_strategy.xml Page 3 overview status Page 12 Dynamics of biodiversity loss Page 27 Brazilian altlantic forest Page 29 Accurate species information is essential for implementing systems for long therm monitoring in the forest. And to measure the success of conservation actions Page 35 Number of species endemic

Extinction Rates Chapter 12 Page 184 Only the place where frogs are, not recorded absence in distribution Page 185 Habitat link distribution patterns with variation and environment Look at insect survey for interaction between frogs and insects Page 188 Altitude, slope, rainfall, temp

• Frog status Atlantic rainforest Intro amphibian decline worldwide (declining, number species, endangered species) http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/amphibian/countrydata.html http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/amphibian/speciesnums.html http://www.globalamphibians.org/patterns.htm#diversity Why important? Indicators Why vulnerable? Endangered frogs file attachment

• Habitat preferences http://www.globalamphibians.org/habitat.htm

• Threats Figure with percentages http://www.globalamphibians.org/threats.htm -Habitat loss, alteration, fragmentation http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/HabFrag.html

38 Dodd, C. K., and L. L. Smith. 2003. Habitat destruction and alteration: historical trends and future prospects for amphibians. Pages 94-112 in R. D. Semlitsch, editor. Amphibian Conservation. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

Marsh, D. M., and P. C. Trenham. 2001. Metapopulation dynamics and amphibian conservation. Conservation Biology 15:40-49.

Hanski, I. 1999. Metapopulation ecology. Oxford University Press:i-ix, 1-313.

Great piece about habitat distruction, alteration and fragmentation

-Introduced species http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/IntroSp.html introduced species bullfrog Hecnar, S. J., and R. T. M'Closkey. 1997. Changes in the composition of a ranid frog community following bullfrog extinction. American Midland Naturalist 137:145-150.

-Climate change http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/ClimateChange.html Carey, C., and M. A. Alexander. 2003. Climate change and amphibian declines: is there a link? Diversity and Distributions 9:111-121. Kiesecker, J. M., A. R. Blaustein, and L. K. Belden. 2001. Complex causes of amphibian population declines. Nature 410:681-684.

-UvB radiation, chemical contains, diseases http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/declines.html

Langhelle, A., J. Lindell Mans, and P. Nystrom. 1999. Effects of ultraviolet radiation on amphibian embryonic and larval development. Journal of Herpetology 33:449-456.

Blaustein, A. R., J. M. Kiesecker, D. P. Chivers, and R. G. Anthony. 1997. Ambient UV-B radiation causes deformities in amphibian embryos. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 94:13735-13737.

Blaustein, A. R., and D. B. Wake. 1995. The Puzzle of Declining Amphibian Populations. Scientific American 272:52-57.

Boone, M. D., and C. M. Bridges. 2003. Effects of pesticides on amphibian populations. Pages 152-167 in R. D. Semlitsch, editor. Amphibian Conservation. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

Hayes, T., K. Haston, M. Tsui, A. Hoang, C. Haeffele, and A. Vonk. 2002a. Herbicides: Feminization of male frogs in the wild. Nature 419:895-896.

Synergism=more factors at once speed up decline http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/synergisms.html frogs imbedded in agriculture: pesticides etc

Zoos play vital role in conservation of amphibians.

39 http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/aw/declines/zoo/zoos.html

• Deformed frogs. Search for deformed tadpoles??? http://info.hartwick.edu/biology/def_frogs/Introduction/Update.html

Acidification can also have adverse effects on amphibian growth and development ultimately contributing to population declines. Extremely low pH can arrest embryo development (Freda et al. 1990). At low but slightly higher pH levels, embryo development proceeds but the enzymes that induce hatching are inhibited, thus, trapping the fully developed embryo inside the egg capsule (Clark and Lazerte 1985).

Clark, K. L., and B. D. Lazerte. 1985. A Laboratory Study of the Effects of Aluminum and Ph on Amphibian Eggs and Tadpoles. Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences 42:1544-1551.

Methods research http://www.biozentrum.uni- wuerzburg.de/zoo3/MO_Roedel/Standard_Methods%20web_Dateien/standard_methods_for_ monitoring.htm

• Frog calls http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/topics/frogCalls.html

40 Appendix 1 Frog tapes explanation 25 October -25 February 2005 Guideline

During this study several sounds of frogs where recorded. The recorded calls will make it possible for future frog researchers to identify species without seeing them.

The tapes can be listened on the tape recorder of Binka; Olympus pearlcorder S711, micro cassette recorder. If you want to use it, make sure the button is set on ‘off’ and not on ‘pause’ (then it won’t tape anything!) and the volume is full on.

Frog tape 1 Sound 1 Cracking, start soft, later loader cracking. See picture Hyla albopunctata. 9Found in small stream in grassland (walk from Center, after passing first sugar cane field on the left)

Sound 2 Very load rolling roaring. See picture Bufo sp.toad Found in small stream in grassland (from Center, after passing first sugar cane field on the left)

Sound 3 Load metal like clicking. See picture Hyla sabourni 21 Found in flooded grassland after crossing the little stream mentioned above.

Sound 4 Cracking. See picture..Scinax perereca 1 Found in trees near temporary pond. After passing the Viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right.

Sound 5 Load squeeking, 1 tone. See picture 12 Scinax cf berthae Found in temporary pond. After passing the Viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you will see it on the right.

Sound 6 Sound difficult to describe. Have to listen to tape: *,****,** See picture Hyla albomarginata.3 Found in square artificial pond in front of Center in the trees on the right.

Sound 7 Very slow crack. Ignore high tone, this is a cricket. 2 times on tape with pause between cracks. See picture…Euleuthereodactylus sp.. 11b en c Found on secret valley trail. Very hard to find, in trees.

Sound 8 Very soft kwak with long pause between kwaks. 11, 11d en 11e 2 times on tape. See picture 21 Eleutherodactylus binota. Found on secret valley trail on ground or ground plants.

Frog tape 2 This tape is of less quality but still useful for a couple of species.

41 Sound 1 Low quaking. Presumably Leptodactylus occelatus.16 Found in tree/bush in front of Center. Walk down and before you turn left to go to the Viveiro you see a bush at the corner at the left.

Sound 2 A bird on the high trail Sound 3 A cricket Sound 4 A very strange sound, load high short squeek. See picture 17 Hyla sp.… Found in grass on the left of the road to the Viveiro before you cross the little stream. Sound 5 Roaring, rolling sound, similar to sound 2 on tape 1 Sound 6 Load squeeking, similar sound 5 on tape 1 Sound 7 Cracking, similar sound 4 on tape 1 Sound 8 Uhm uhm uhm uhm. Scinax eurydice picture 1. Found in temporary pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right Sound 9 Unidentified

Sounds I did not record but that I can describe:

TJIP!tjiptjip, a very high, load tjilping. See picture 50 Hyla minuta Found in pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right. Usually make a sound on same time as sound 5 tape 1. Species look very alike.

Tunk tunk tunk. Like a drum. See picture 10, 12, 14. Hyla Faber. Found in pond. After passing the viverio (coming from center) trough the fence, you see it on the right. Also heard in grassland. Not heard in forest.

A very very loud stretched high buzzing sound. See picture 5 Elastocleis ovalis. Found near pond of Casa Angola.

A Rattleling sound of two tones Prrrri Prrrraa First high second low. See picture Scinax cuspidatus Found in the big ponds near Casa Angola.

A soft puppy crying like sound. Picture Hyla semillata. Found in grass on banks of big ponds near Casa Angola.

42 Appendix 2 Pictures research areas

43 Appendix 3 Pictures frog species

44 Appendix 4 Datasheet frog collecting

45 Appendix 5 Datasheet frogs Iracambi overview

Frog species Iracambi 25 October 2004-26 Februari 2005

Stefanie M. Rog

Scientific name Picture Areas used Microhabitats used

Bufo Elachtistocheis ovalis 5 3,4 Eleutherodactylus binota 5 Eleutherodactylus sp. 11 9 Hyla albomarginata 3 2,8 Hyla albopunctata 9 9 Hyla crepitans 4 Hyla faber 8 2,9 Hyla leucophyllata 6 2 Hyla minuta 7 2,9 Hyla semillineata 22 Hyla pardalis juv. 15 Hyla saborni 21 9, 3,4 Leptodactylus ocellatus 16 2 Phyllomedusa burmeisteri 2 2 Physalaemus curveiri 20 2 Scinax euridice 1 2,3,4 Scinax perereca 2,3,4 Scinax fuscovarious 10 2 Scinax cf. Berthae 12 2

Hyalinobatrachium Hyalinobatrachium sp. itagaroo unknown 13 unknown 14 unknown 17 unknown 18 Scinax cuspidatus 19 Hyla semilineata 23 Hyla semilineata 25 26 8

46 Appendix 6 Water sample results

Water sample results

Number 12 34567 Colour * 83 16 13 9 18 37 U.C Iron 22.3 4.3 0.35 0.65 0.53 0.18 2.9 mg/L Fe Nitrate 4.5 1.4 1.3 1.6 <1,0 1 1.7 mg/L NO3 Ph 6.56 6.16 6.21 7.05 6.43 6.98 5.99 Turbidity * 27 532511 N.T.U

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