Impacts of selective logging on amphibians in a Bolivian tropical humid forest

Abstract

We sampled the abundance, species richness, and species composition of adult amphibians in disturbed and undisturbed areas within 20 m of a seasonal stream 1 year following selective logging in a Bolivian tropical forest. The area disturbed by logging within the stream border ranged from 23 to 30%. Overall, there were no significant differences in amphibian abundance, species richness, or composition between disturbed and undisturbed sites within the riparian area. However, one toad species ( Bufo typhonia) was significantly more abundant in disturbed than in undisturbed areas. All of the remaining species captured were frogs and their abundance did not differ between undisturbed and disturbed areas. More amphibians were captured during the peak dry season months than during other times of the year. This study suggests that riparian areas are important refuge for amphibians during dry season months and, therefore, should be protected within forests managed for timber. Limited interventions in riparian areas (as much as 23–30%) by logging did not significantly impact amphibian populations 1 year following logging. However, long-term effects on amphibian populations past 1 year after logging need to be investigated.