Spatio-Temporal Variations in Amphibian Communities in Semi-Urban Ponds of District Panchkula

Surveillance studies were undertaken in the village ponds of Saketri, Shamtu, and Khangsera (district Panchkula, Haryana) to document amphibian diversity and abundance. Four species—Duttaphrynus melanostictus, D. stomaticus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus—belonging to the families Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae (order Anura) were recorded, all categorized as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. Results showed species-specific and site-specific variations in abundance, with D. melanostictus dominating in Saketri and Shamtu, while D. stomaticus was most abundant in Khangsera. Aquatic habitats supported fewer species, with E. cyanophlyctis and H. tigerinus being the predominant forms. A decline in amphibian populations was observed from 2021 to 2022, with the highest reduction recorded in Shamtu pond (5.90% on land; 11.53% in water). The study suggests that habitat fragmentation, pond surroundings, and urbanization significantly influence amphibian assemblages.