Morphological characterization and diversity of tadpoles (Amphibia: Anura) at Emas National Park and its surrounding, Goiás State, Brazil

Authors

  • Gabriela Alves-Ferreira Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Tropical Herpetology Lab, Programa de Pós- Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5661-3381
  • Ingrid Beatriz Ferreira da Paixão Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos (LEMA), Programa de Pós- graduação em Ecologia e Conservação dos Recursos Naturais
  • Fausto Nomura Universidade Federal de Goiás, Laboratório de Ecologia e Funcionamento de Comunidades, Departamento de Ecologia

Keywords:

External Morphology, Cerrado, Species survey, Conservation unity, Tropical anurans

Abstract

Abstract: Tadpoles are abundant in the environments in which they occur and remain in aquatic habitats for longer periods than adults, being relatively easier to collect. Despite the increase in tadpole research in the past decade, our understanding of its morphological diversity remains limited. Here, we provide morphological characterizations for larvae of 15 anuran species that occur at Emas National Park (ENP) and its surroundings, in Goiás, and compare them with descriptions available in the literature for other locations. We also present an update of the list of anuran species known to the ENP, based on tadpole sampling. We found tadpoles from 15 anuran species, of which five represent new records for the park. Many species showed variations in morphological characters when compared with descriptions available in the literature for other locations, reinforcing the importance of describing larvae from different populations. Through the exploration of morphological characters, it is possible to make inferences about the functional diversity of the larvae and questions related to the homology of characters, in addition to assisting in the identification and taxonomic distinction of species. Studies with tadpole communities can generate key information about the factors that drive the anurans' richness and distribution and can provide support for establishing more consistent conservation strategies and management plans.

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Published

2021-01-01

How to Cite

Alves-Ferreira, G., Paixão, I. B. F. da, & Nomura, F. (2021). Morphological characterization and diversity of tadpoles (Amphibia: Anura) at Emas National Park and its surrounding, Goiás State, Brazil. Biota Neotropica, 21(4). Retrieved from //www.biotaneotropica.org.br/BN/article/view/1845

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