Distribution Of Amphibians Research Articles

Unraveling Biogeographic Boundaries Within the Sierra Madre Oriental, México: An Endemicity Analysis Using a Taxonomically Diverse Dataset.

The Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) is a significant mountain range and one of Mexico's 14 biogeographical provinces. Its delimitation has been debated. This study aims to analyze the distribution of plants, beetles, odonates, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals using an endemicity analysis to identify endemism areas and confirm the SMO's biogeographical units. Georeferenced data for 326 species distributed in the Sierra Madre Oriental were compiled using QGIS software, and an endemicity analysis (EA) was carried out with NDM-VNDM to evaluate taxon distribution congruence in predefined grids. Different grid sizes and specific parameters were used to identify areas of endemism, with an Endemicity Index (EI) assigned to measure the consistency of these areas. Six main areas of endemism (EA) were identified: two in the northern region and four in the southern region of the SMO. These areas are supported by several taxa, except mammals, which did not significantly contribute to the identified AEs. The study suggests new boundaries within the SMO, establishing the Rio Verde as the natural barrier in the north rather than the Moctezuma River. The multi-taxonomic analysis supports dividing the SMO into two subprovinces, proposing a new delimitation based on the distribution of species with different dispersal capacities. This new regionalization can be useful for prioritizing conservation areas and designing more effective strategies. Future research should include more distribution data of mammals and birds to strengthen these results and better define the subprovinces and biogeographical districts of the SMO.

Predicting habitat functionality using habitat network models in urban planning

Recently, the European Union adopted a Nature restoration law that aims to stop the ongoing decline of biodiversity and even bring back nature to cities. This is challenging as urbanization is an ongoing process that thrives for more land and densification. In this paper we describe a new Open-Source GIS-tool that automates habitat network analyses and simultaneously generates several maps that can be used for assessments, targeting species survival in urban environments. One result of particular interest is the habitat functionality map that combines values of habitat quality and connectivity. We tested the tool’s ability to predict habitat functionality using amphibian occurrence data observed from the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. Our evaluation shows that habitat functionality was generally a good predictor of amphibian distribution. However, the predictability was sensitive to the cartographic representativity of the input biotope map used. Also, predictions of habitat functionality improved when estimating dispersal probabilities using the Cost-distance algorithm, compared to when using Euclidean distance from reproductive habitats. This finding supports the need to use connectivity models that are responsive to variation and changes in roads, traffic volumes and buildings when performing effect analyses on biodiversity in cities. Finally, we demonstrate how the tool can be used to easily identify areas where restoration measures can effectively increase habitat functionality for target species. This can help planners to find efficient solutions for increasing biodiversity within urban areas.

Wet creatures in a warming world: How climate change will impact the future distribution of anuran amphibians from Brazilian semiarid region?

The world has been going through a climate crisis that has led to a substantial increase in global temperatures. Consequently, amphibians, ectothermic animals that depend on water to survive/reproduce, are under increasing threat. In this research, we compared the influence of climate change on the geographic distribution between anuran species with occurrence restricted to the Brazilian semi-arid region (Caatinga domain) and widely distributed congeneric species, with occurrence in multiple biomes. We hypothesized that climate change would be more harmful for species of restricted distribution than for those widely distributed. For this purpose, using ecological niche modeling, we designed potential distribution models for current and four future climate scenarios, and compared two metrics (climatic suitability and index of extent of occurrence) between restricted and widely distributed species. The results revealed that the climatic suitability did not differ among current climatic conditions and those expected for 2050 and 2090, nor differed between species with distribution restricted to the Caatinga and widely distributed ones. On the other hand, contrary to our predictions, while species with wide distributions would tend to retract their extent of occurrence in future times, species with restricted distributions would expand their ranges. These results suggest that species with current distribution restricted to Caatinga biome might be relatively favored by the climate changes predicted for the next 80 years. However, we discuss that this result should be interpreted with very caution, because many ecological and conservation requirements need to be guaranteed so that these predictions can actually occur. Our findings contributed to the understanding of the effects of climate change on closely related taxa, with different distribution patterns, revealing particularities of the anuran amphibians that occur in semi-arid environments in response to climate changes predicted for this century.

The distribution, diversity and conservation of the Mexican herpetofauna among its biogeographic provinces

Mexico houses a substantial diversity of amphibians and reptiles, with a large number of endemics. We generated a checklist of Mexico’s herpetofauna and their distribution among its biogeographic regions and provinces. We found a total 435 species of amphibians (70.6% endemic to Mexico), and 964 species of reptiles (60.7% endemic to Mexico). The Transition Zone had the greatest herpetofaunal richness, housing 90.8% of the amphibian species and 71.1% of the reptile species that inhabit Mexico. Amphibian and reptile richness decreased from south to north, with the highest richness in the Sierra Madre del Sur, followed by the Trans-volcanic Belt and the Sierra Madre Oriental. According to the IUCN Red List, currently 28.4% of the native species of Mexican amphibians and reptiles are in a category of conservation concern. The Transition Zone, specifically the Sierra Madre del Sur, is of utmost importance due to the conservation status of its species, since this biogeographic province is home to a large number of endemic species. The Neotropical and Nearctic Regions both have around 13% of their species included in some category of conservation concern. The pairwise Jaccard distances among the biogeographic provinces for amphibians and reptiles are highly correlated suggesting parallel patterns of similarity between these two taxonomic groups. We found a positive correlation between Jaccard distances and the length of the shared border between provinces and a negative correlation between Jaccard distance and the distance between the geographic centroids of the provinces, suggesting that geographic proximity plays an important role in the similarity of herpetofauna among biogeographic provinces. The number of species in a province was not correlated with its area or longitude but showed a negative correlation with its latitude. Cluster analyses showed three main clusters of biogeographic provinces for both amphibians and reptiles, with subclusters reflecting geographic proximity and shared habitats. These results highlight the importance of considering geographic factors, such as geographic proximity and habitat similarities, in understanding the distribution and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Mexico.

ВПЛИВ ПОГОДНИХ УМОВ НА ЧИСЕЛЬНІСТЬ АМФІБІЙ ТА РЕПТИЛІЙ В УМОВАХ ПРИРОДНОГО ЗАПОВІДНИКА «МЕДОБОРИ» ЗА ПЕРІОД 2016–2020 РОКІВ

Based on the results of long-term observations, the influence of weather conditions on the dynamics of the number and biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles over five years in the "Medobory" nature reserve was analyzed. The number, reproduction, metamorphosis stages, and distribution of amphibians and reptiles depend significantly on climatic conditions. Low temperatures in spring inhibit spawning and larval development. During critical periods, a low amount of precipitation (e.g., 15.7 mm in May 2016, 9.1 mm in April 2018, and 12.1 mm in April 2019, compared to the norm of 45 mm) also negatively affects amphibian populations. This factor led to the disappearance of Triturus cristatus Laur., Lissotriton vulgaris L. (an outbreak was noted in 2014), and Bufo viridis Laur. from the reserve (last observed at MG-1 in 2013), as well as the less common Hyla orientalis Bedriaga. Amphibians and reptiles were recorded during the active period along two regular herpetological routes, MG-1 and MG-2, and observations were made during field research, covering all areas suitable for the reproduction and habitat of amphibians. Eleven species of amphibians have been confirmed in the reserve, belonging to six families: Salamandridae, Bombinatoridae, Pelobatidae, Bufonidae, Hylidae, and Ranidae. Among these amphibians, five species are listed in Appendix II of the Berne Convention, and one species (T. cristatus Laur.) is included in the Red Book of Ukraine. The most common amphibian species are Rana temporaria L., Rana arvalis Nilsson, and Bufo bufo L. Frogs such as Pelophylax lessonae Camerano and Pelophylax ridibundus Pallas occasionally occur within the reserve, as they require an aquatic environment even after reproduction. There are seven species of reptiles in the reserve and one in the immediate vicinity, out of the ten recorded in the Ternopil region. These reptiles occupy the most suitable habitats for their survival. The species represent five families: Emydidae (freshwater turtles), Anguidae (spindly lizards), Lacertidae (true lizards), Colubridae (snakes), and Viperidae (vipers). Common species include Lacerta agilis Andrz., Natrix natrix L., and Anguis fragilis L. Six species of reptiles are included in Appendix II of the Berne Convention, and the common copperhead (Coronella austriaca Laur.) is included in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Revealing hidden biodiversity: Novel insights on reptile and amphibian distribution in western Ecuador

AbstractWe present notable distributional updates for 14 species from western Ecuador (seven amphibians and seven reptiles). Our findings include the northernmost confirmed sighting of Pristimantis kuri and the southernmost documented record of Imantodes inornatus and Lepidoblepharis buchwaldi. Additionally, we document new records and notes on the distribution range of Agalychnis spurrelli, Hyloscirtus alytolylax, Engystomops montubio, Pristimantis muricatus, Pristimantis nyctophylax, Pristimantis walkeri, Chironius flavopictus, Chironius grandisquamis, Dendrophidion graciliverpa, Ninia schmidti, and Urotheca fulviceps. These observations significantly contribute to filling information gaps in our understanding of these species' distributions. The data, derived from samples collected across diverse forested areas in the western region of Ecuador (provinces of Bolívar, Cañar, Guayas, El Oro, and Los Ríos), provide valuable insights into the ecology and conservation of these species.

The importance of native shrubs on the distribution and diversity of reptiles and amphibians in the central drylands of Southwestern USA.

The importance of native shrubs on the distribution and diversity of reptiles and amphibians in the central drylands of Southwestern USA.

The House Is Burning: Assessment of Habitat Loss Due to Wildfires in Central Mexico

Fire suppression and climate change have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires, but the responses of many organisms to wildfire are still largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the risk of habitat loss for amphibians, mammals, and reptiles caused by wildfires in central Mexico. We accomplished this by: (1) determining the likelihood of wildfire occurrence over a 12-year period using historical records and the Poisson probability mass function to pinpoint the most susceptible areas to wildfire; (2) evaluating species exposure by identifying natural land use that aligns with the potential distribution areas of biodiversity; (3) assessing species vulnerability based on the classifications established by the IUCN and CONABIO. Our findings have unveiled three regions exhibiting a concentration of high-risk values. Among these, two are positioned near major urban centers, while the third lies in the southeastern sector of the Nevado de Toluca protection area. Amphibians emerged as the taxonomic group most severely impacted, with a substantial number of species falling within the Critically Endangered and Endangered categories, closely followed by mammals and reptiles. Furthermore, we have identified a correlation between the location of risk zones and agricultural areas. This study revealed hotspots that can offer valuable guidance for strategic initiatives in fire-prone regions associated to the potential distribution of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Moreover, future studies should contemplate integrating field data to enhance our comprehension of the actual effects of wildfires on the spatial distribution of these animal groups.

Amphibians at risk: Effects of climate change in the southwestern North American drylands

Climate change can affect species' geographical range in several ways, leading to species' geographical range expansion and contraction. Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, and deterioration is due, in part, to the loss of suitable habitat. This taxonomic group is especially sensitive because of their biphasic life cycles (aquatic and terrestrial) and microhabitat requirements. Herein, we propose a combined approach, which uses biological and life history information to understand species' sensitivity to climate change. The goals of our study were to (1) identify the contribution of environmental variables to the broad-scale distribution of amphibians in drylands of the southwestern United States and Mexico, (2) describe how the habitat suitability of amphibians can potentially respond to a range of climate change scenarios across drylands, and (3) identify amphibian traits related to increased vulnerability and adaptation to the specific pressures and mechanisms of climate change projected for the dryland areas. Results show that climate strongly influences the geographic distribution of amphibian diversity in drylands and that most amphibians are expected to lose habitat in the upcoming decades. This study also shows that areas with the greatest loss of high habitat suitability are related to temperature increases and precipitation reductions. Our results build a framework that will significantly improve the current state of knowledge on the drylands' biogeography while providing comprehensive information and analyses for decision-makers to conserve and protect endangered and threatened amphibian species and their habitats.

Amphibian and reptile diversity in natural landscapes and human-modified habitats of the Sahara Desert of Algeria: A better understanding of biodiversity to improve conservation

The spatial and seasonal variations in amphibian and reptile diversity were studied in different biotopes (lowlands, desert pavements “Reg,” Sabkhas “salt lakes,” date palm groves, wadis, and urban sites) at the Algerian Sahara Desert. No prior research has explored the connection between the distribution of reptiles and amphibians in Algeria’s Sahara and the environmental diversity of biotopes and landscapes. This study aimed to address this significant knowledge gap by investigating the relationships between Saharan habitats and landscapes and their impact on herpetofaunal presence, abundance, and diversity. The diversity of amphibians and reptiles was assessed based on quantitative data of species captures using nonparametric diversity indices, species richness accumulation curves, and similarity analysis. At the Region of Oued Righ (Northern Sahara Desert), we identified 3 amphibians, 19 lizards, and 10 ophidian species. These 32 species (approximately 30% of the Algerian herpetofauna) were classified into 2 orders (Anura and Squamata), 15 families, and 23 different genera. The study area included 8 protected species in Algeria and 9 endemic species to the Mediterranean region, including 1 amphibian and 7 species of reptiles. Acanthodactylus dumerilii was the most abundant species (20.5% of the total), whereas Chalcides ocellatus occurred in 32.9% of specimens. The highest values of species richness were recorded in palm groves with 22 species and Shannon’s diversity index (H’) was 3.5, whereas the lowest values were obtained in Sabkhas (5 species) and urban sites (7 species). The number of individuals experienced significant variations between study biotopes and seasons. Overall, species richness estimators (Chao2 and Jackknife1) revealed that the current survey achieved 90% of inventory completeness. Estimates and interpolations of species richness showed higher values in urban sites, palm groves, desert pavements, and wadis compared to Sabkhas and lowlands where completeness ranged between 90% and 100%. The analysis of similarity indicated low similarity values (<50%) between biotopes studied. The highest similarities were noted between the mesic biotopes (Sabkhas, wadis, and palm groves), the xeric and undisturbed biotopes (desert pavements and lowlands), whereas urban sites showed a distinct herpetofaunal community that was completely different of that recorded in Sabkhas, wadis, and lowlands.

Amphibian Distribution and Habitats in Northwestern Saudi Arabia

More effort is needed to study wild animals, especially if they depend on a specific type of habitat. The amphibian community in Saudi Arabia needs additional research attention since not all potentially suitable habitats, particularly those in northern areas, have been studied. Different wetland habitats in Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia were surveyed for amphibians in 2021 and 2022. Interestingly, only the Arabian toad was recorded at the sites visited. This finding contributes valuable data to the current amphibian distribution map of Saudi Arabia and suggests the great capacity of this species to inhabit habitats with different conditions and characteristics. Habitat destruction and potential sources of pollution were observed in some of the sites surveyed and, importantly, large construction projects are under way in the majority of amphibian habitats in Tabuk Province. Therefore, further effort is required to explore the less studied areas of Saudi Arabia to aid in the conservation of species, especially those such as amphibians that require specific habitat conditions.

Random Frogs: using future climate and land-use scenarios to predict amphibian distribution change in the Upper Missouri River Basin

ContextClimate change and anthropogenic stressors have contributed to rapid declines in biodiversity worldwide, particularly for amphibians. Amphibians play important ecological roles, yet little is known about how distribution hotspots may change or how the environmental factors influence distribution patterns in the North American Great Plains.ObjectivesEcological niche models improve understanding of biotic and abiotic factors associated with species' distributions and can highlight potential threats to species conservation. Here, we identify important predictors of amphibian distributions and predict how land use and climate change may alter amphibian distributions in the Upper Missouri River Basin.MethodsWe used publicly available occurrence data, 16 environmental and climatic predictors, and the machine-learning algorithm, Random Forests, to create spatially explicit distribution models for eight amphibian species. Models were scored to baseline conditions (2005) and two future climate-change/land-use scenarios to predict changes in amphibian distributions for 2060.ResultsModels were highly accurate and revealed more pronounced distribution changes under the intensive RCP8.5/CONUS A2 scenario compared to the moderate RCP6.0/CONUS B2 scenario. Both scenarios predicted gains for most eastern species (i.e., Blanchard’s cricket frogs, Plains leopard frogs, Woodhouse’s toads, and Great Plains toads) and declines for all western montane species. Overall, distribution changes were most influenced by climatic and geographic predictors, (e.g., mean temperature in the warmest quarter, precipitation, and elevation), and geography, versus anthropogenic land-use variables.ConclusionsChanges in occurrence area varied by species and geography, however, high-elevation western species were more negatively impacted. Our distribution models provide a framework for conservation efforts to aid the persistence of amphibian species across a warming, agriculturally dominated landscape.

First record of Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) at the southern part of Euboea Island, Greece

The herpetofauna of Greek islands is fairly well known. However, new records enhance our knowledge of the insular distribution of reptiles and amphibians. Here, we report a new addition to the herpetofauna of Euboea Island: a dense population of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) was found in Ochi Mountain, at the south part of the Island.

Distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater amphibians and reptiles in Scotland

Surveillance of non-native species is important for biosecurity and ecological reasons. This paper presents a baseline of the distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater amphibian and reptile species in Scotland. Multiple datasets were used to confirm which non-native terrestrial and freshwater species of amphibians and reptiles are currently present in Scotland, and map their known distribution. Citizen Science records were found to be extremely useful when photographs were included. Four non-native terrestrial and freshwater amphibian and reptile species were found to be present in Scotland, including Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), sand lizard (Lacerta agilis), Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii), and common slider (Trachemys scripta).

Diversity, distribution, habitat preferences and community assemblages of Amphibians and Reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” National Park (Campania, Southern Italy)

Amphibians and reptiles are important ecological indicators of ecosystem status and play significant ecological roles. However, their populations are declining globally due to factors such as climate and land-use change. To effectively manage these species, it is crucial to study their distribution in protected areas. In this study, we provide new information on the distribution and ecology of amphibians and reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” (CVDA) National Park in southern Italy. We used a comprehensive dataset consisting of 2465 records obtained from fieldwork, citizen science, and literature to evaluate species’ rarity, habitat preferences and community assemblage. We investigated whether differences in species richness across different habitat types and elevations resulted from species selection of different environmental conditions. We quantified species probability of observation in different habitat types and estimated the significance of species-habitat associations. Species rarity was assessed by considering geographic range, population abundance, and habitat breadth. Collected data substantially improved knowledge of the distribution of numerous species compared to published data. Our findings are generally consistent with the species’ ecological information available in Italy, but we also found some species’ peculiar ecological aspects that are little-known. The CVDA National Park emerges as an effective protected area that ensures good conservation status of the herpetofauna, also in the case of species showing population and range declines at the national scale.

Чужорідні види ссавців у колекції зоологічного музею Луганського національного університету імені Тараса Шевченка

This paper presents a review of information on the specimens of the theriological part of the stock and exhibition collections of the Zoological Museum of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University in Luhansk as of 2014. Specimens of species and subspecies belonging to the group of alien mammals were taken into account. The review included both introductions, invaders, and animals belonging to the group of regional invaders (expanded their range within the region), reintroductions and alien species that occur naturally but do not form stable natural populations. Information on specimens of such invasive alien species as Lutra lutra, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Neogale vison, Ondatra zibethicus provide useful data for analysing the distribution and abundance of alien species in certain regions of the Siverskyi Donets basin. The majority of these species occurred in the main channel of the Donets and its immediate tributaries, which once again underlines the important role of river basins in the distribution of mammalian amphibians. The collections of a number of other alien species and subspecies are small, represented only by single specimens of rodents (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus, Myocastor coypus) and ungulates (Cervus nippon, Dama dama, Bison bonasus, Saiga tatarica) originating from other regions of Ukraine or without information on the place of occurrence. The collections of such species as Castor fiber and Rattus norvegicus, which comprise 4 and 5 specimens respectively, contain specimens from Luhansk region, but information on their distribution is incomplete or insufficient for analysis or comparison. All the specimens listed in the text are valuable for the study of geographical distribution, craniological and morphological studies of alien species from the territory of Luhansk region and other regions of Ukraine, in particular from Poltava (Lutra lutra), Crimea (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus) and Kherson (Dama dama).

In search of generality: Revised distribution data and regionalization of Cerrado endemic tetrapods

AbstractAimTo search for a general regionalization pattern using verified records of endemic terrestrial vertebrates. To test previous hypotheses of congruent distribution patterns for Cerrado biotas. To study the role of elevation as a driver of endemism and distribution in the Cerrado region.LocationCerrado domain, central South America.TaxonTetrapoda.MethodsWe used a species occurrence matrix to implement a biotic element (BE) analysis to test for non‐random spatial congruence of raw distributions of Cerrado endemic amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. We implemented a Kruskal–Wallis test on elevational records to classify species as occurring predominantly in plateaus or depressions, and to classify all delimited BEs in such categories.ResultsWe compiled and revised 13,800 unique distribution records of 340 Cerrado endemic tetrapods and detected a significant, non‐random co‐distribution pattern formed by 29 BEscomprising 182 species, corroborating the first general prediction of the vicariant model. Most BEs were composed of at least three vertebrate groups, reflecting general tetrapod endemism patterns. Congeneric species were segregated among different BEs, corroborating the second prediction of the vicariant model. Our regionalization scheme was broadly congruent with previous results and revealed three previously undetected areas. Most (89%) partial or restricted BEs are clearly segregated in elevation, and we recognized 14 ‘Plateau units’ and 12 ‘Depression units’.Main ConclusionsOur results support an emergent consensual biotic regionalization pattern in the Cerrado. We also revealed three novel regions and complex biogeographical patterns. The clear altitudinal segregation among BEs validates previous hypotheses on the role of geomorphological changes in shaping Cerrado and Neotropical endemism patterns. Our recovered units should serve as a template for the description of new taxa, for delimiting poorly studied ranges, and for guiding urgent conservation action in the richest and most imperilled tropical savanna in the globe.

Using fuzzy logic to compare species distribution models developed on the basis of expert knowledge and sampling records

BackgroundExperts use knowledge to infer the distribution of species based on fuzzy logical assumptions about the relationship between species and the environment. Thus, expert knowledge is amenable to fuzzy logic modelling, which give to propositions a continuous truth value between 0 and 1. In species distribution modelling, fuzzy logic may also be used to model, from a number of records, the degree to which conditions are favourable to the occurrence of a species. Therefore, fuzzy logic operations can be used to compare and combine models based on expert knowledge and species records. Here, we applied fuzzy logic modelling to the distribution of amphibians in Uruguay as inferred from expert knowledge and from observed records to infer favourable locations, with favourability being the commensurable unit for both kinds of data sources. We compared the results for threatened species, species considered by experts to be ubiquitous, and non-threatened, non-ubiquitous species. We calculated the fuzzy intersection of models based on both knowledge sources to obtain a unified prediction of favourable locations.ResultsModels based on expert knowledge involved a larger number of variables and were less affected by sampling bias. Models based on experts had the same overprediction rate for the three types of species, whereas models based on species records had a lower prediction rate for ubiquitous species. Models based on expert knowledge performed equally as well or better than corresponding models based on species records for threatened species, even when they had to discriminate and classify the same set of records used to build the models based on species records. For threatened species, expert models predicted more restrictive favourable territories than those predicted based on records. Observed records generated the best-fitted models for non-threatened non-ubiquitous species, and ubiquitous species.ConclusionsFuzzy modelling permitted the objective comparison of the potential of expert knowledge and incomplete distribution records to infer the territories favourable for different species. Distribution of threatened species was able to be better explained by subjective expert knowledge, while for generalist species models based on observed data were more accurate. These results have implications for the correct use of expert knowledge in conservation planning.

Quantifying the effects of Anthropocene activities on Mexican endemic amphibians

AbstractIn order to make robust and feasible conservation plans, assessments of species' vulnerability or risk of extinction are ideally needed. However, there are wide differences in the criteria used to assess species vulnerability. Recently, a growing approach seeks to understand the patterns of biodiversity loss using life history traits because these traits show differential responses to environmental disturbances. In order to generate a functional vulnerability assessment for Mexican endemic amphibians, we integrated information from species distribution modeling, functional traits, and spatially explicit threats weighted differentially for each functional group. We obtained 124 distribution models evaluated by species, nine functional groups that represent the differential risk of species against anthropic threats, and 124 layers of spatial vulnerability. We found a generalized presence of threats to amphibians throughout the Mexican territory, highlighting the center of the country as the most affected area, while the southeast and north had a lower level of anthropic activity. We found differential vulnerability values in the distributions of Mexican endemic amphibians. In general, the anthropogenic impact on the distribution of Mexican endemic amphibians is high, and the percentage of habitat loss ranges from 51 to 97%, with an average of 83% lost to anthropogenic pressures. The functional group with the greatest loss of distributional area was found in the salamander genus Ambystoma, while functional groups 2 (frogs with arboreal habits, small size, and reproduction and development in bodies of water) and 4 (small or medium size frogs occupying terrestrial or riparian habitats with oviposition and development occurring in bodies of water or phytotelms) maintain the largest remaining suitable area after considering the threats. We present a replicable methodology that can be implemented anywhere, providing a new tool to generate specific layers that represent threats to functional groups. This allows for updated assessments of species distribution models that can be used in conservation planning, offering more robust data to make conservation planning decisions.

Detection of environmental DNA from amphibians in Northern Europe applied in citizen science

AbstractMany species of amphibians in Northern Europe are threatened and the local distributions are rarely described in detail. Application of modern molecular methods provides an important supplementary tool for monitoring the distribution and diversity of amphibians. For this purpose, we designed, tested, validated, and optimized 14 species‐specific assays on genomic DNA extracted from tissue samples to use for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) setups targeting mitochondrial DNA from amphibians in freshwater samples. The tests confirmed species specificity for all assays. Considering a systematic definition of the limit of detection for each of the assays, the presented qPCR assays are unlikely to return false positive detection from any co‐occurring species in northern Europe. For field validation, the qPCR assays were applied in a large‐scale nationwide citizen science project in which sampling and qPCR analysis was carried out by high school students. Data from the citizen science project returned the expected results when compared to the known regional distribution of the target species and confirmed the presence of nine out of 14 Danish species of amphibians in the collected freshwater samples. Four out of 2550 qPCR test sets carried out by the high school students required a professional reanalysis in multiple replicates due to initial unexpected results. This emphasizes that efforts from citizen science may generate large amounts of valuable data, as long as the results are carefully scrutinized by experts.