Spatial Pattern and Habitat Changes of Amphibian Species in the Priority Area for Biodiversity Conservation in the South Hengduan Mountains

Abstract

Amphibian species, as typical objects to study the evolution of vertebrates from aquatic to terrestrial, have faced serious threats in recent decades. This study revealed changes in the spatial distribution pattern of amphibians and their habitats in the priority area for biodiversity conservation in the south of the Hengduan Mountains based on remote sensing and field survey data. Results showed that 71 species of amphibians in 27 genera of 10 families of 2 orders were recorded in the study area, among which 46 species were endemic to China. In particular, there were four national protected species and two newly found species. The amphibian species richness was overall higher in the northern part and lower in the southern part of the study area. There was an obvious variation in the species composition in five major geographic zones in the study area, and the species richness, number, and endemism were all the highest in areas between 2000 and 3000 m. There was a higher abundance of some endemic species, i.e., the Amolops, Bufo, and Scutiger. The main habitats of amphibian species included the forest, farmland, and grassland. There was remarkable fragmentation of these habitats, which was mainly due to land use conversion. There are currently 14 national nature reserves in the study area, covering 39 amphibian species, but there are still 32 amphibian species outsides these nature reserves. It is recommended to carry out long-term located monitoring, improve the existing protection network, and fill the protection gaps to achieve effective protection of these valuable biological resources.