Behavioral ecology of anuran tadpoles: the Indian scenario

Abstract

The study of behavioral ecology of amphibian tadpoles is in its infancy in India. Available descriptions of tadpoles that are limited to less than 25% of 218 known anurans in India are sketchy, incomplete and inadequate. Good descriptions and photographs of specimens in life that enable researchers to identify tadpoles are needed for all 218 species of amphibians living in our country. Recent studies, especially from our laboratory have revealed microhabitat choice and its ecological correlation, diversity in morphological characteristics, kin recognition ability, effect of kinship and density on larval growth and metamorphic traits and so on. The study of anuran tadpoles offers a unique opportunity toeJucidate many complex biological phenomena and evolutionary strategies associated with their survival, growth and transition from purely aquatic to terrestrial mode of life. This report summarizes our gains and lacunae in our present know ledge of behavioral ecology of the tadpoles inhabiting India.