Journal of Environmental Biology

Comparative analysis of amphibian community dynamics in relation to water quality in pond types across two Punjab districts, India

G.S. Sekhon, R.K. Aulakh and T.K. Kler*     

Department of Zoology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

Received: 28 June 2024                   Revised: 21 Augus 2024                   Accepted: 03 October 2024

*Corresponding Author Email : tejdeepkler@pau.edu                     *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3076-0732

Abstract

Aim: The present study investigated amphibian community dynamics and water quality across six ponds which included rejuvenated, natural, and eutrophicated (dead) types in the Ludhiana and Jalandhar districts of Punjab, India, during the monsoon seasons of 2022 and 2023.

Methodology: Amphibian species Duttaphrynus melanostaticus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus were monitored using visual encounter surveys along the selected pond transects and their relative abundances were recorded water quality parameters were measured as per APHA (2023) standards.

Results: Results indicated distinct trends: in Ludhiana, the Duttaphrynus stomaticus increased population in all pond types, while the Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis's abundance declined. On the contrary, Jalandhar ponds showed an increase in the population of Asian Common Toad. Water quality assessments revealed that rejuvenated ponds had significantly better conditions than eutrophicated ponds, with higher levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in the latter. Regression analysis identified water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and BOD as significant predictors of amphibian abundance.

Interpretation: The findings emphasize the importance of pond site-targeted environmental management, regular water quality monitoring and community participation to improve pond habitats and sustain amphibian populations.

Key words: Amphibian community dynamics, Biodiversity indices, Pond management, Water quality

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