Amphibian assemblages and diversity patterns in two forest ecosystems of South‐Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractDespite recent anthropogenic interference, south‐eastern (SE) Nigeria historically hosts a myriad of pristine forest habitats that could sustain diverse amphibian assemblages. Currently, land conversion of primary forests through human activities has led to modified habitats, such as agricultural fields and secondary forest. This calls for biodiversity documentation and initiation of conservation plans. However, the dearth of herpetological studies has limited knowledge of the amphibian species richness and distribution patterns in some forest ecosystems of SE Nigeria. Thus, we surveyed two less‐explored intact forests in SE Nigeria—Afi Forest Reserve (AFR) and Ikpan forest ecosystem (IFE)—to document the patterns of amphibian diversity and distribution. Specimens were searched for opportunistically using visual and acoustic survey methods. Literature searches were conducted to document additional species that were not encountered. Using the observational records and arrays of diversity indices, the patterns of species richness and abundance across habitat types were evaluated. The result of our study revealed the presence of 30 and 31 amphibian species from AFR and IFE, respectively. Our field collections included two unidentified species (Sclerophrys sp. and Hyperolius sp.) from AFR and one (Phrynobatrachus sp.) from IFE. Analyses revealed high species diversity and richness in forest and swamps compared with the agricultural field and savannah. Given the increased human activities and the antecedent threats to forest ecosystems of SE Nigeria, we offer recommendations for the initiation of conservation plans for these two surveyed localities.