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The macro habitat selection of endemic endangered frog species, Fejerverya greenii was
studied in randomly placed plots in and around five lentic water bodies of the Horton Plains
National park (HPNP), situated in the highland plateau of the Nuwara Eliya District from
January 2016 to December 2016. F. greenii were observed directly on three consecutive days
per month.In each plot the number and the maturity stage of F. greenii and the distance to the
bank of the water body from individuals was recorded. Where possible F. greenii was
captured, the body surface temperature, relative humidity, habitat relative moisture, substrate
availability, substrate temperature and ambient temperature was measured. One-way analysis
of variance test was used to analyze the monthly variations in relative humidity, substrate
relative moisture and average ambient temperature in the plots. Pearson correlation analysis
was used to identify the relationship between body surface temperature and the ambient
temperature and substrate temperature. During the study period, 164 individuals were
recorded. Presence of F. greenii was recorded only in the area of 1m to the water and 3m to
the terrestrial habitats in the lentic water bodies. Though the substrate relative moisture
significantly affected the macro habitat selection (p<0.05) relative humidity and ambient
temperature did not significantly affect the macro habitat selection. There was a significant
correlation of the body surface temperature with the substrate temperature and water
temperature. The study also revealed the selection of macro habitats by different maturity
stages. The present study confirms the semi aquatic status of F. greenii and suggests F.
greenii as a habitat specialist preferring in and the immediate surroundings of lentic water
bodies.
