Species Diversity of Amphibians from Arid and Semiarid Environments of the Real de Guadalcázar State Reserve, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Abstract

ABSTRACT Amphibian species composition from arid and semiarid environments is different from that in tropical and temperate environments. Extensive areas of desert occur in the Chihuahuan Desert Region in protected areas, where the diversity of amphibians has not been analyzed. In this study, we analyzed anuran species richness of the protected area Real de Guadalcazar State Reserve. We also provide data on native species abundance during the dry and wet seasons. The area contained 37% of the amphibian species recorded from the entire Chihuahuan Desert Region. Various species of Anaxyrus occurred in different vegetation types, in addition to having high abundances during dry and wet seasons and low vulnerability scores. This study contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of anurans from arid and semiarid environments in the natural protected areas of northern Mexico. We also address possible conservation measures for these species.