BIODIVERSITY OF AMPHIBIANS IN BILSA BIOLOGICAL STATION Influences on Amphibian Diversity and Abundance

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was two fold. The first objective was to document the species diversity of amphibians at Bilsa Bioogical Station. Over a period of nine months, amphibian diversity was recorded along transects in pristine and disturbed forest sites as well as along roads with varying levels of human activity. These recordings contribute to the first complete inventory of species in this area, which is critical to any future conservation efforts. The second objective was to gain insight of the influences on the habitats of amphibian and how it effects their diversity and abundance.

FORESTS

RIVERS

ROADS

RESULTS
The results from this study show that the influence of disturbance on the diversity and composition of amphibian assemblages in the Mache-Chindul varies with habitat. Amphibian assemblages along rivers were the most diverse as well as the least impacted by human activity in the form of logging 12-18 years prior to this study. Diversity and species richness were much lower in secondary than in primary forest suggesting that amphibian assemblages in interior forest habitat are more vulnerable to disturbances caused by logging. Secondary rivers harboured the highest species richness followed by primary rivers.

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

IN PRIMARY FOREST

IN SECONDARY FOREST

SECONDARY FOREST ON BOTH SIDES

SECONDARY FOREST AND PASTURE

PASTURE ON BOTH SIDES

7 species
Craugastor longirostris Epipedobates boulengeri H. sp. nov (undescribed) L. pentadactylus Oophaga sylvatica Pristimantis achantinus Pristimantis parvillus

75 individuals
(1) (1) (3) (1) (18) (50) (1)

4
Craugastor longirostris Pristimantis achatinus Pristimantis parvillus Pristimantis walkeri

104
(2) (97) (2) (3)

13
Caecilia leucocephala Cochranella albomaculara Cochranella Mache Cochranella Spinosa Centrolene prosoblepon Craugastor longirostris Epipedobates boulengeri Hyloxalus awa H.sp.nov (undescribed) Hypsiboas picturata Pristimantis achatinus Rhinella margaritifer Rhaebo haematiticus

239
(1) (2) (2) (1) (23) (2) (16) (79) 21 (18) (45) (9) (19)

12
Bolitoglossa spp. Cochranella albomaculata Centrolene prosoblepon Craugastor longirostris Epipedobates boulengeri Hyloxalus awa Hyloxalus sp.Nov Hypsiboas picturata Oophaga sylvatica Pristimantis achatinus Rhinella margartifer Rhaebo haematiticus

195
(1) (2) (14) (2) (10) (35) (21) (30) (1) (39) (28) (12)

4
Chaunus marinus Leptodactylus labrosus Pristimantis achatinus Smilisca phaeota

119
(1) (1) (114) (3)

4
Pristimantis achatinus Pristimantis subsigillatus Pristimantis walkeri Smilisca phaeota

104
(99) (1) (1) (3)

7
Caecilia nigricans Craugastor longirostris Hypsiboas pellucens Leptodactylus labrosus Pristimantis achatinus Pristimantis subsigillatus Smilisca phaeota

97
(1) (1) (1) (1) (91) (1) (1)

Study designed by Gregor Jongsma Poster designed by Alyssa Jongsma

LOCATION
Bilsa Biological Station (79 45 W, 0 22 N, 330-730 m a.s.l) Ecuador, South America. Located in the Mache Chindul Reserve. Contains both Humid-Pre-Montane forest and Humid Tropical forest. MACHE CHINDUL RESERVE

SOUTH AMERICA

ECUADOR

BILSA BIOLOGICAL STATION

Bolitoglossa species

Chaunus marinus

Caecilia leucocephala

Caecilia nigricans

Cochranella albomaculata

Cochranella mache

Cochranella spinosa

Centrolene prosoblepon

Craugastor longirostris

Epipedobates boulengeri

Hyloxalus awa

Hyloxalus sp. nov.

Hypsiboas pellucens

Hypsiboas picturata

Leptodactylus labrosus

Leptodactylus pentadactylus

Oophaga sylvatica

Pristimantis achatinus

Pristimantis parvillus

Pristimantis subsigillatus

Pristimantis walkeri

Rhinella margaritifer

Rhaebo haematiticus

Smilisca phaeota