Anuran diversity on the Ilha do Caju, Parnaíba Delta River, Maranhão State, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

In this work we aim to increase knowledge about biodiversity in the Parnaíba Delta River through characterization of anuran fauna of Ilha do Caju, municipality of Araioses, Maranhão state. We recorded nine species belonging to three families: Leiuperidae, Leptodactylidae and Hylidae. In addition to biogeographical and historical factors, environmental conditions and irregular rainfall distribution, seem to contribute to the low species richness of amphibians in this island that have a predominance of species that build foam nests (Leiuperidae and Leptodactylidae). Ilha do Caju is considered as a natural laboratory that allows obtaining information for planning and evaluating the status of conservation and preservation of regional biodiversity, helping to support future studies in the Parnaíba Delta River region.

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Biodiversity, Anuran fauna, Conservation.