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This paper presents a study on the viability of the use of tissues of the Leptodactylus ocellatus species (Anura Leptodactylidae) as a bioindicator of metal pollution. The study is based on the determination and correlation of the concentrations of manganese, chromium, zinc, nickel, copper and iron in sediments and tissues (skin, muscles and viscera) of the frog Leptodactylus ocellatus collected in the middle region of the Contas River in Bahia, Brazil. The highest levels of the metals studied were found in the viscera of this animal. In this tissue, a higher correlation of the concentration of these metals with those found in sediments was also observed. The concentrations of elements found in the skin and muscles of these amphibians have revealed no correlation with the sediment where they were collected. According to the results obtained, the viscera of the L. ocellatus species presents itself as a good bioindicator of contamination by the metals studied.

We present a list of amphibian species from Serra do Brejo Novo, municipality of Jequié, state of Bahia in Brazil, a transition zone between the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest that encompasses a great diversity of species and reproductive modes. Between November 2009 and April 2010 we surveyed the area using pitfall traps and between August 2010 and February 2012 data was collected using active search methodology. We recorded 32 species belonging to seven families. The unexpected composition of species and reproductive modes of this community highlight the importance of species inventories and also the need for exploring transitional areas to understand the ecological mechanisms responsible for changes in community structures between different zones.

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Our new records from two protected areas in the municipalities of Itacaré and Uruçuca, both in southern Bahia, Brazil, extend the known distribution area of Rhinella boulengeri 180 km south from the type locality (Salvador - Rio Cururipe) and 112 km northeast from the municipality of Arataca, state of Bahia.