Catalogue of the amphibians of Ethiopia, including a key for their identification

Abstract

This review recognises 63 amphibian species in Ethiopia, a total that is sure to increase as many still remote regions come to be more adequately surveyed. It incorporates the following taxonomic changes: Bufo chappuisi Roux 1936 is considered a synonym of B. lughensis Loveridge 1932, Ptychadena largeni Perret 1994 a synonym of P. neumanni (Ahl 1924) and Rana schubotzi Sternfeld 1917 a synonym of Ptychadena tellinii (Peracca 1904). The ecological profile and zoogeographical affinities of every species is analysed and its recorded distribution within Ethiopia is mapped. More than half of these taxa are savanna forms, found in lowland areas around the margins of the central plateau and often widespread in other parts of Africa. In contrast, 25 species (40% of the total) are at present considered endemic; seven of the eight families include endemic representatives, amongst which are six endemic genera: Sylvacaecilia Wake 1987, Altiphrynoides Dubois 1987, Spinophrynoides Dubois 1987, Ericabatrachus Largen 1991, Balebreviceps Largen & Drewes 1989 and Paracassina Peracca 1907. Three species appear to be confined to lowland forest in southwestern Ethiopia, but the majority of endemics are most clearly associated with montane forest, grassland or moorland in the altitudinal range 1800–4000 m. Widespread environmental degradation by an ever-increasing human population is a severe problem in Ethiopia and the threat to montane and forest endemics, both known and yet to be discovered, gives particular cause for concern. National Parks, established to conserve selected environments for the benefit of entire communities, provide the best prospects for the protection of amphibian species in the immediate future. The Bale Mountains National Park alone provides a refuge for at least 17 amphibian taxa, including 48% of the endemic species and five of the six endemic genera.