Ecological investigations and diversity of amphibians in Lake Kalimpa’a, Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sulawesi is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to many endemic amphibian species. For some of these endemic species, information regarding their rate of emergence, conservation status and ecology are lacking. Therefore, in the present study, we provide descriptions of some amphibian species, including details on habitat and distribution, from the Lake Kalimpa’a region of Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Observations were made during two field surveys (June 2016 and April 2017) using standard visual and acoustic encounter survey methods. Seven species of frog from five families were found, and six of them were endemic. In general, amphibian habitat selection was influenced by the availability of water. Some species have limited habitat availability, which may make them susceptible to habitat alteration. These represent the species at a higher threat state. These results suggest that the risk of extinction for these species has probably been underestimated previously, and so these species require more developed conservation efforts to protect them. The information presented herein is expected to form the basis for determining different species’ conservation status, and developing management practice for amphibians in Sulawesi.