Data from: Abiotic and biotic drivers on tadpoles in seasonal rock pools of Western Ghats rock outcrops, India

We assessed the influence of abiotic (pool size, monsoon progression) and biotic (predator abundances) factors on occurrence and abundance of three species of tadpoles by periodically monitoring rock pools in lateritic plateaus. The dataset generated from this study is published here. 

Species Coverage: Euphlyctis jaladhara, Microhyla nilphamariensis, Polypedates maculatus; four predator groups (Pisaurid Spiders, Crabs, Water Beetles, Dragonfly Larvae)

Geographic Coverage: Devi Hasol plateu of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra State, India. (16°44'–16°45'N; 73°25–73°27'E)

Temporal Coverage: July, August, September (2022).

Methods:

Nighttime rock pool surveys were conducted for tadpoles of three species (Euphlyctis jaladhara, Microhyla nilphamariensis, Polypedates maculatus). Pools were monitored eight times during the study period between 1900–2300 hr, usually in clear weather, barring occasional rain incidences. The pool water was clear during all the observation occasions. For large (>1003 cm³) pools, the observer gently walked along the bank and scanned the pool to record all animals. Care was taken not to recount the same schools of tadpoles, and a red light was used while approaching the pool to avoid light disturbance. The observer enumerated tadpoles of the three species and their potential predators (fishing spiders, crabs, dragonfly larvae, and water beetles) by counting them using head and hand-held torch lights. Following microhabitat variables were recorded at four occasions: Pool maximum length and width (cm), water depth (cm) at three points, humus cover (%), submerged vegetation cover (%), and edge vegetation cover (%). The percentage covers of vegetation and humus were visually estimated. 

Funding:

1. On the Edge (UK)
2. The Habitats Trust (India)
3. The Bombay Environmental Action Group (India)