Diversity and distribution of amphibians in the Kakum National Park and its surroundings

Abstract

This study investigated amphibian distribution and diversity in Kakum National Park and its surrounding communities. Sampling was carried out in lowland swampy areas and upland zones of both locations; thus totalling four main habitat types as areas of survey. A total of 1434 specimens belonging to four Families comprising 12 species of anurans were recorded. The 12 species were irregularly distributed in the four habitat types. The Arthroleptidae and Ranidae were localized with low levels of abundance and richness while Phrynobatrachus alleni was widespread. There were no significant differences in both diversity and distribution between the reserve and its surrounding communities. This is a probable indication that the current anthropogenic disturbances off-reserve may have little or no effect on the amphibians; or may affect them in both the reserve and off-reserve together in the same way. However, the park’s upland forests favoured amphibian distribution and diversity most and the results support the hypothesis that elevation may affect the distribution and diversity of some species of amphibians. Nevertheless, the results of the study calls for a critical consideration for efficient amphibian conservation in both in- and off-reserve of the study area as the number of species recorded is lower than expected. Key words: Kakum National Park, lowland, upland, amphibian distribution, diversity, anurans, surrounding communities, decline, extinction, herpetofauna, environs.