Preliminary Study Of Anura (Amphibian) In Selected Ponds And Fields In Ndibe Community, Afikpo L.G.A, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The preliminary monitoring of anuran species in Ndibe community of Afikpo, Ebonyi state was carried out from April to August 2013, a total of 4 species and 16 individuals were collected. Some ponds, field, streams were selected and monitored for anuran species applying the hand picking and pitfall method. The anuran species recorded were: Buforegularis, Plychadanabibroni, HolobatrachusoccipitalisandSiluranatropicalis. Each specie had an individual number of 2(12.5%), 7(43.8%), 4(25%) and 3(18.8%) respectively. In general, few amphibian species were observed during the rainy season due to the flush of the river surface and erosion in the field. Habitat destruction and modification are the key causes of habitat loss of anuran species observed in this study. Biomonitoring procedures should be applied regularly to detect (increase/decrease) in the diversity and abundance of anuran species within a specified study area of interest over time.