Abstract
The status of the Seychelles frogs of the family Sooglossidae was investigated, using monitoring data from 1993-2010, climate data from 1998-2010 and studies of populations and local climate effects. Climate monitoring at each plot covered rainfall and temperature, with leaf wetness and soil moisture being monitored additionally at one site. Analysis of the data and ecological modelling of the distribution identify geographical patterns in climate which explain the present distribution of the different sooglossid species. In addition it identifies a drying trend in the first quarter of the year which corresponds to frog population declines in mid-altitude forests. This is interpreted as evidence of an ongoing deterioration in the suitability of habitats for the frogs, with declines recorded in areas of marginal suitability. By extension it is assumed that currently optimal frog habitat is also undergoing a decline in suitability, due to early year decreases in moisture. Projected changes in climate were used to predict changes in ranges of the sooglossids over the next 90 years. This predicts significant declines, with the possible extinction of the palm frog Sooglossus pipilodryas by 2100. Accordingly all four sooglossid species should be categorised as Endangered, rather than their current status of Vulnerable. Captive assurance colonies have not been successfully established to date. Captive groups have been maintained with a high degree of success but breeding has not been recorded so far. Further work needed for the conservation of the frogs is outlined: development of a reliable method of monitoring the cryptic S. thomasseti and development of captive breeding techniques.
Highlights
Dramatic declines in many species of amphibians have been reported in recent years
These have been attributed to general threat factors such as habitat loss and invasive species (Baille et al 2004; Vié et al 2009) but particular concern has been raised over the impacts of diseases and climate change, to which some amphibians are vulnerable (Baillie et al 2004; Stuart et al 2004, 2008; Thomas et al 2004; Foden et al 2008; Stork 2009)
This confirms the distributions reported in earlier studies with the addition of data on population densities
Summary
Dramatic declines in many species of amphibians have been reported in recent years. These have been attributed to general threat factors such as habitat loss and invasive species (Baille et al 2004; Vié et al 2009) but particular concern has been raised over the impacts of diseases and climate change, to which some amphibians are vulnerable (Baillie et al 2004; Stuart et al 2004, 2008; Thomas et al 2004; Foden et al 2008; Stork 2009).The main effects of climate change relevant to amphibians are expected to include general global increases in temperature ( with local decreases), changes in rainfall patterns, raised sea levels and increases in storm intensity and the frequency of climatic extremes. Dramatic declines in many species of amphibians have been reported in recent years. These have been attributed to general threat factors such as habitat loss and invasive species (Baille et al 2004; Vié et al 2009) but particular concern has been raised over the impacts of diseases and climate change, to which some amphibians are vulnerable (Baillie et al 2004; Stuart et al 2004, 2008; Thomas et al 2004; Foden et al 2008; Stork 2009). The frog family Sooglossidae is extremely vulnerable in this regard This family is restricted to the Seychelles islands and has a total range of 50km, with species ranges varying between 15 and 50km
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