Diversity and distribution of amphibians in central and northwest Bangladesh, with an updated checklist for the country

Abstract

Conservation of amphibians relies on the knowledge of the diversity and distribution patterns. To date, there is a lack of information on the diversity and distribution patterns of amphibians in some regions of Bangladesh, particularly the Northwest and Central areas. Thus, to contribute to the present knowledge on amphibians of Bangladesh, we surveyed nine districts from the Northwest and Central regions of Bangladesh between 2017 and 2019 and evaluated the patterns of species richness and habitat preference. Furthermore, we compiled a list of the amphibian species for Bangladesh and summarized the conservation status. The results revealed the presence of 19 amphibian species from the Northwest and Central regions, with range extensions for five species. Diversity analyses showed that the agricultural field had the highest number of species. An updated inventory of the amphibians of Bangladesh shows the presence of at least 62 species belonging to two orders, eight families, and 34 genera. Of the amphibians in Bangladesh, 26.0% are placed under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-threatened category, 43.0% least concern, 8.0% data deficient, and 23.0% are not accessed by the IUCN. Our study improved knowledge on the diversity and distribution of amphibians in Bangladesh as well as offered recommendations for improved conservation policies.