ACTIVITY BUDGET AND PERCH CHARACTERISTICS OF Pseudophilautus popularis (MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI & PETHIYAGODA, 2005) (AMPHIBIA: RHACOPHORIDAE) DURING THE BREEDING SEASON

Abstract

This study reports activity budget and perch characteristics of the Sri Lankan endemic shrub frog Pseudophilautus popularis in a wetland-home garden setting in an urban area. Thirty-two frogs were studied from 18:30–06:00h and 45% of the time they were found to be stationary without any activity. The highest percentage of time was utilised for calling and courtship (52%). This study reveals that the frogs occupy different heights during their nightly activity period, starting from the ground level and gradually moving up among the vegetation. They were reported to reach the maximum heights around 23:00h, remaining there for nearly two hours and then retreating downwards towards the dawn. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining diversity of vegetation especially in terms of stratification in ensuring habitat quality to conserve this species.