Influence of Natural and Artificial Habitats and Microhabitats on Urban Amphibian Diversity and Behavior

Abstract

Species presence in urban landscapes is driven by complex biological and environmentalinteractions. In this study, we evaluated habitat and microhabitat selection byamphibians in urban environments using correspondence analysis, multiple correspondenceanalysis, and preference analysis. Data on habitats, microhabitats, and activitieswere recorded for 26 amphibian species in urban areas. All species were observed innatural habitats, while only 11 in artificial habitats. Leptodactylus latinasus, Leptodactylusmacrosternum, Rhinella arenarum, and Rhinella dorbignyi were found in both habitat types,in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Most individuals (74%) were recorded innatural habitats, predominantly aquatic ones. In artificial habitats (26%), R. arenarum wasthe most abundant species, primarily using terrestrial habitats. All species exhibited somedegree of habitat preference, even generalist species. Amphibian activities were also linkedto habitat type, with natural aquatic habitats primarily used for breeding and naturalterrestrial habitats for refuge, foraging, and other activities. Our results highlight thatheterogeneous natural habitats promote greater species diversity, while artificial habitatsrestrict amphibian presence. However, the capacity of certain species to adjust to artificialenvironments underscores the need to enhance these habitats by adding bodies of water,bare ground, and vegetation of all kinds to support the conservation of urban amphibians.