Journal Article

Distribution and Abundance of Toads from Selected Study Sites in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

Toads have relatively wide distribution, bimodal lifestyle, and ectothermic conditions with stable environmental temperatures. Currently, toads are among the world’s most endangered animal groups. They are exhibiting a decline in their population as an indication of increased habitat loss, environmental pollution, global climate change, diseases, and Overharvesting. Land use coupled with indiscriminate usage of pesticides and fertilizers are the main drivers of habitat deterioration. The current study aimed to document the abundance, diversity, and distribution of toads for improved conservation plans and management policies. A total of Four (4) sampling sites were selected namely Bosso, Tunga, Chanchaga, and Gidan-Kwano covering Two (2) Local Government Areas in Minna. Data were gathered in both the rainy and dry seasons. Toad samples were collected for Twelve (12) months from 03 June 2020 – 29 May 2021 with the help of pond rangers at the study sites. Opportunistic observations, audio, and visual encounters were used to perform the survey. Temporal abundance of toads in the study areas showed that a mean total of 684.42 toads were sampled with Chanchaga having a total of 243.35 (35.55%) while Gidankwano, Bosso and Tunga ponds had a mean total of 170 (24.83%), 150 (21.91%) and 121.07 (17.68%) respectively. Toad species encountered at the sampling sites were Amietophrynus regularis, Sclerophrys regularis, and Amietophrynus gutturalis. Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity index revealed that Chanchaga had the highest index value of 0.9841, while Tunga had the lowest diversity of 0.8244. This study improves knowledge of toad diversity and distribution in Minna, Niger State for improved conservation plans and management policies

Download pdf