Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of anuran assemblages across habitats and seasons in a Neotropical savanna

Differences between habitats and seasonal changes in climate are some of
the main factors responsible for shaping diversity patterns and biological
community structures. In this context, anurans are considered excellent
models for ecological studies due to their high sensitivity to
environmental changes. This study analyzed how differences between open
and forested formations and seasonality influence the taxonomic,
functional, and phylogenetic diversity of anuran assemblages in an area of
Neotropical savanna. Parameters of taxonomic (species richness—SR),
functional (functional diversity—SES.FD, functional dispersion—FDis and
functional redundancy—FR), and phylogenetic diversity (phylogenetic
species variability—PSV and phylogenetic species richness—PSR) were used
to quantify spatiotemporal changes in the anuran assemblages. Sampling was
carried out over 15 months, using pitfall traps and active searches. In
total, we recorded 598 individuals belonging to 21 species and seven
families. Species composition, SR and PSR differed between habitats and
seasons, the latter two being higher in open formations during the rainy
season. SES.FD differed seasonally, and was higher in the dry season.
FDis, FR and PSV did not differ between treatments. Anurans from forested
formations were functionally and phylogenetically clustered during the
rainy season, while those from open formations were functionally clustered
during the same season. Habitat type and seasonal variation were important
in determining the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of
the anuran assemblages. However, changes in climate and land use are
expected to negatively impact the ecological and evolutionary diversity of
these organisms in the Cerrado, reinforcing the importance of conservation
policies and actions.