Diversity, morphology, distribution and population of amphibian fauna in district Jamshoro and Larkana Sindh-Pakistan

Abstract

Present study was planned to confirm amphibian status in two Districts: Jamshoro (11,517 Km 2 ) and Larkana (7423 Km 2 ) of Sindh-Pakistan. Amphibian diversity was identified through morphology, whereas their distribution and population was confirmed via monthly surveys conducted at fixed locations using Global Positioning System. Study of three years (2011-2013) discovered four amphibian species i.e. Bufo stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and Allopa hazarensis. District Jamshoro circumscribed richer amphibian diversity than District Larkana. B. stomaticus was widely distributed in District Jamshoro as well as in Larkana, whereas A. hazarensis was limited only inside Taluka Kotri and Thano Bula Khan of District Jamshoro. B. stomaticus was sustained highly in both study zones, however lowest population was presented by A. hazarensis in District Jamshoro and E. cyanophlyctis in District Larkana. Comparative study indicated District Larkana embracing higher amphibian population, though their diversity was richer in District Jamshoro.