Diversity of anurans in dry forest fragments of a subtropical region in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity between two areas within different matrices located in the Mesophytic Semideciduous Forest; to compare composition and diversity registered to other assemblages; and to evaluate which criteria used here were the most important when sampling them. Data was obtained from September 2011 to March 2012 from 10 sites with different habitats in two areas of mid northern state of Paraná, southern Brazil. We recorded 18 species. Alfa-diversity between the areas did not vary, but the population within one of them was more stable, suggesting better distribution and equity of species in the available habitat. Beta-diversity in the region was high; a result attributed to the species Dendropsophus nanus. Comparing the sampled areas to others in the Semideciduous Forest, the quantity of sampled breeding sites was the most important variable for higher records of richness. Geographical distance was a determinant factor for the distinction between localities. Different factors were determinant for the variation in richness and composition of species in the area. Hence, the conservation of fragments and their associated habitat need to be prioritized.