Microhabitat Preferences and Survival Rates of Amphibians in Artificially Restored Wetlands in Subtropical Zones

Abstract

Conservation habitats in artificially restored wetlands are vital for amphibians' survival in subtropical regions since natural wetlands experience various anthropogenic threats such as deforestation, pollution, drainage, and climate variability. Therefore, the present research will examine the amphibians' habitat choice and survival rates within restored wetlands. The study considered five major microhabitats: emergent vegetation, shallow waters, shaded edges, muddy banks, and open water. The abundance, stages of development, distribution, and mortality of amphibians in the mentioned habitats were identified based on direct observations, visual surveys, call surveys, and repeated sampling. It is evident that the amphibian populations were more numerous in the emergent vegetation and shallow water because these habitats could provide suitable conditions for breeding, humidity, shelters, prey organisms, and protection against predators. Emergent vegetation demonstrated the highest percentage of survival among the examined microhabitats, which was equal to 88%. Shallow waters and shaded edges had relatively high survival rates of 82% and 79%, respectively. At the same time, the lowest survival rate of amphibians was identified within open water patches, and it was equal to 61%. Thus, it becomes clear that artificial wetlands require not only water restoration but also the creation of multiple microhabitats.