Distribution Pattern of Amphibians in Megamalai Landscape, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Amphibians. in particular anurans, contribute a significant proportion or the vertebrate biomass in all the terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. They function as important predator and prey species. However, studies focusing on ecology of these taxa in Indian subcontinent arc scanty. The present study had the following objectives: (1) understand the population of amphibians in the Megamalai landsc;lpe. (2) study the distribution pattern of amphibians with respect to elevation categories and vegetation types and (3) suggest conservation measures. The present study was carried out in Megamalai Hills of Theni Forest Division. From December 2006 November 2008. In the present study. three belt transects Mavadi,. Suruli and Vellimalai were laid from hilltop to the bottom stratified at 200m interval