Elevation range shift after 40 years: The amphibians of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park revisited

Abstract

The global decline of amphibian populations has been widely-documented, based on the results of long-term studies, but few such data are available for Asia. In Indonesia, Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is unique in this respect, because a baseline amphibian study was conducted in the area >40years ago – the first of its kind for the country. A survey of the amphibians of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park was conducted during 2004–2007, concentrating on the Cibodas Trail, first surveyed by Liem in 1961–1964. Our findings indicate that the Park still retains significant amphibian habitats, but the elevational distribution of amphibians may have shifted compared to 40years ago. One species, Leptophryne cruentata, has shown a possible shift in its distribution to lower elevations. Changes in climate may interact with the chytrid fungus and could affect the populations of several species, most notably L. cruentata. Other factors, such as increasing human recreational activities in the main habitat of L. cruentata, and the introduction of exotic species, could pose a threat to the amphibians there.