ANURANS FROM BARRA DE LA LAGUNA DE ROCHA (ROCHA, URUGUAY)

Abstract

We present a list of amphibian species from the protected area Barra de la Laguna de Rocha (BLR), Uruguay. Fifteen monthly three-day field trips were performed between September 2011 and March 2013. During each field trip, active searches of individuals and auditive samplings were performed at seven selected sites. We recorded 19 species of amphibians belonging to five families: Bufonidae (4 especies), Hylidae (5), Leptodactylidae (7), Microhylidae (1) y Odontophrynidae (2). Comparing these data with historical records (obtained from cientific collections and literature), eight species represented new records for the study site. The species richness in the area represents 39.6% of the total richness recorded for Uruguay. We highlight the presence of Melanophryniscus montevidensis (Philippi 1902), a locally and globally threatened species. Information on BLR's amphibian species composition could help in the implementation of the management plan for this conservation unit, as well as to stimulate future studies in the area.