Composition of Bufo species and their diets in Peri-Urban Area of Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Akwashiki Ombugadu; Ishaya Jeremiah; James Ishaku Maikenti; Hasley Livinus Njila; Samson Andrew Da’an; Sylvester Akolo Attah; Mock Samuel Kure; Victoria Adamu Pam; Cyril Daniel Nkup; Sunday Kajibia Dogo.

Transactions on Science and Technology, 10(2), 65 - 70.

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ABSTRACT
Toads are amphibians belonging to Bufonidae family and feed on different invertebrates. Thus, the study on composition of Bufo Species and their diets in peri-urban area of Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was carried out from June to August 2021. Random sampling technique was used to collect Bufo species using a hand-held torch light in the evening period from 1800 to 2100 hours. Toads collected were put in a jar containing chloroform and then transported to Zoology Laboratory of Federal University of Lafia for further processing. Thirty-three (33) toads were collected which represents two species in which Bufo muculatus was more dominant 27 (81.81%) over Bufo regularis 6 (18.18%). The diets recorded from sacrificed toads spread across 2 Phyla which include Phylum Arthropoda made up of Orders Hymenoptera (ants) and Coleoptera (beetles) while Phylum Annelida comprised of Opisthopora (earthworm). In conclusion, this study shows the presence of Bufo muculatus and Bufo regularis which play a vital role in creating the necessary ecosystem balance in peri-urban area.

KEYWORDS: Bufo species, Diets, Peri-Urban area



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