Abstract

VALENCIA-VARGAS, Ricardo  and  ESCALERA-VAZQUEZ, Luis H.. Abundance of the salamander Ambystoma andersoni in relation to seasonal dynamics and spatial heterogeneity in Zacapu Lake, Michoacán, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2021, vol.92, e923283.  Epub Feb 03, 2022. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2021.92.3283.

The presence and abundance of amphibians is highly related to habitat characteristics and seasonal dynamics (rainy and dry seasons). In this study, Ambystoma andersoni was used to determine the relationship between the abundance and the environmental dynamics in Zacapu Lake, Michoacán, Mexico. Monthly samplings were performed in 9 sites grouped in 3 zones (east, centre, west) along the rainy and dry seasons. Physicochemical parameters -temperature, oxygen concentration and pH- and spatial heterogeneity -vegetation, substrate- were measured in situ. The results showed significant seasonal differences in the abundance of A. andersoni (rainy vs. dry) and spatially (zone). In general, Zacapu Lake showed a low seasonal difference regarding the limnological variables obtained, highlighting significant differences between zones in temperature and pH. However, temporal and spatial differences in the abundance of A. andersoni were present, and showed a positive relation with both variables. These results are useful to propose management and conservation plans (e.g., priority zones and local fisheries) of a microendemic species of amphibian occurring in an area with high anthropic impact.

Keywords : Abundance; Ambistomatids; Amphibians; Heterogeneity; Physicochemical variables.