Forest Remnants Research Articles

Advertisement call variation is related to environmental and geographic distances in two anuran species inhabiting highland forests in northeastern Brazil

AbstractHighlands are of paramount importance to the study of evolution as they are frequently implicated in historical and ecological processes that generate and maintain biological diversity. In northeastern Brazil, sparse rainforest remnants located in highlands north of the São Francisco River are surrounded by the dry and open landscape of the Caatinga biome. Earlier studies suggested that these forests were historical refuges to the rainforest fauna and flora during Pleistocene's climatic cycles. However, it is still unclear whether populations in distinct highlands experienced phenotypic differentiation as a result of adaptation to environmental conditions of each forest remnant. Herein, we used two frog species widely distributed and ecologically different, Dendropsophus oliveirai, a habitat specialist, and Physalaemus cuvieri, a habitat generalist, to investigate the relationships between environmental variation, geographic, genetic, and body size distance with advertisement call variation among populations inhabiting different highlands. Our results indicated that acoustic variation among P. cuvieri populations is strongly influenced by environmental variation, but also by the geographic distance among populations. In D. oliveirai, environment is also the most influent factor on acoustic variation, followed by a lower influence of genetic and morphological variation. Associations between environmental and geographic factors suggest indirect effects of geographic distance on acoustic variation in both species through an environmental gradient. We believe that selective processes and isolation by distance possibly act together in driving interpopulational acoustic variation with habitat‐specific species being more affected by geographic isolation in suitable habitats.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Degradation exposure scenario in the Brazilian Amazon: Edge effect on hyperdominant C-cycle tree species

The Amazon basin strongly influences the global carbon cycle, storing billions of tonnes of carbon in a relatively small number of ‘hyperdominant’ tree species. However, the Amazon carbon stock is threatened by land-use change. In the remaining forest patches, trees close to the forest border bear various physical and biotic edge effects that alter plant growth and survival. To assess how edge effects influence tree mortality and carbon storage, we investigated the occurrence of hyperdominant tree species in the Brazilian Amazon between 1988 and 2021. Evaluating tree records from a network of permanent plots and herbarium collections, we found that 22 % of tree occurrence records were in deforested areas, 35% within 1 km of the forest edge, and 43 % in continuous forest. At the local scale in Central Amazonia, tree monitoring data over 30 years revealed that forest fragments hyperdominant trees had twice the mortality rate of continuous forest ones due to edge effects during the 15 years following edge establishment. Although trees in fragments had higher initial growth, this pattern declined over the years and eventually resulted in significant carbon loss, mainly from tree mortality. Edge effects have led to annual declines in the biomass of forest remnants, suggesting that hyperdominant species are also susceptible to disturbances that lead to degradation and forest losses. Conservation of the Amazon forests requires an approach that considers the effects of local disturbances on carbon stocks in the region.

Do remnant forest patches provide microclimate buffering? A case study from Sri Lanka

Tropical forests have declined in extent considerably owing to large scale deforestation for providing land for multiple uses, and this has reduced their collective capacity to provide many important ecological functions. In the present study, conducted in the tropical island of Sri Lanka, we focus on remnant patches of two common and co-occurring vegetation types in the dry zone, Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest and Scrub Forest, to test (a) whether small remnant forest patches facilitate microclimate buffering and, if so, (b) whether the two forest types differ in terms of their potential to buffer the microclimate, and (c) whether the extent of canopy cover influences the microclimate buffering capacity. Co-occurring Grasslands were used as reference habitats. We used multiple temperature, relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit related metrics, and showed that Dry mixed Evergreen Forest and Scrub Forest had significant microclimate buffering potential, the latter to a lesser extent than the former (Dry mixed Evergreen Forest > Scrub Forest). These results are noteworthy, given that the patches of both forest types were relatively small (mean ± standard deviation: Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest = 0.63 ± 0.13 km2 and Scrub Forest = 0.10 ± 0.07 km2), intermixed and scattered across the same landscape. The study also showed that, after controlling for effects of patch size, the extent of canopy cover had a significant impact on most of the microclimate metrics. The impact of patch size on microclimate metrics was less pronounced. These findings highlight the need for conserving remnant forest patches, especially of the Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest, as refuges of biodiversity, particularly in the context of tropical forests in developing countries facing severe threats of deforestation.

Hydrological variability of middle European peatland during the Holocene, inferred from subfossil bog pine and bog oak dendrochronology and high-resolution peat multiproxy analysis of the Budwity peatland (northern Poland)

Subfossil pine and oak tree trunks were excavated during exploitation of the Budwity peatland in Northern Poland. Based on dendrochronological analysis, the woodland successions in peatland were reconstructed and correlated with moisture dynamics of the peatland ecosystem inferred from the high-resolution multi-proxy analysis of the peatland deposits. From the results of dendrochronological analysis and the 14C wiggle matching methods, four floating pine chronologies (5882–5595; 5250–5089; 3702–3546; and 2222–1979 mod. cal BP) and two oak chronologies (4932–4599 and 4042–3726 mod. cal BP) were developed. The organic sediments of the peatland (6 m thick) were deposited over approximately nine thousand years. The lower complex (525–315 cm) comprises minerogenic peat, while the upper complex (315.0–0.0 cm) is composed of ombrogenic peat. Subfossil tree trunks are distributed across various peat horizons, which suggests multiple stages of tree colonisation followed by subsequent dying-off phases. Multiproxy sediment analyses (lithological, geochemical and δ13C stable isotope, pollen, plant macrofossils, Cladocera, diatom, and Diptera analyses) indicate that the two earliest phases of pine colonisation (5882–5595 and 5250–5089 mod. cal BP) and the two stages of oak colonisation (4932–4599 and 4042–3726 mod. cal BP) were associated with periodic drying of the peatland. Conversely, tree dying-off phases occurred during periods of increased water levels in the peatland, coinciding with stages of increasing climate humidity during the Holocene. The two most recent phases of pine colonisation occurred during the ombrogenic stage of mire development. Remnants of the dead forest from these phases, marked by subfossil trunks still rooted in the ground, were preserved and exposed presently during peat exploitation, approximately 2.5 m below ground level. The identified phases of tree colonisation and subsequent dying-off phases show correlation with analogical phenomena observed in the other investigated European peatlands.

Spatial patterns transformation due to deforestation in the Paraguayan Pantanal Ecoregion from 1987 to 2020

Understanding the effects of land use on landscape configuration as a proxy for ecological connectivity is necessary to envision territorial management and planning and promote natural resource conservation. This study aimed to identify the landscape configurations that resulted from land-cover change processes within the Paraguayan Pantanal Ecoregion (PPE), one of the largest and most biodiverse wetlands, in 1987, 2004, and 2020, with a special emphasis on forest and aquatic vegetation spatial patterns. Forest fragmentation between 1987 and 2020 was determined using landscape ecology metrics. In 1987, natural vegetation was highly connected, with two main forest patches of 12 887 and 15 910 km2. However, in 2004 and 2020, several categories of forest patches were identified, with the largest measuring 9197 and 2461 km2, respectively. Although forest and aquatic vegetation remnants remained viable in 2020, appropriate measures to reduce forest loss should be adopted to ensure the long-term viability of PPE biodiversity.

Dynamics of the natural regeneration of forest remnants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

The main factors that favour the regeneration of native vegetation in two regions in southeast Brazil were evaluated over an approximate period of 30 years. Region 1 covers 5.2 million hectares and is situated in the northern and northeastern portions of São Paulo. Region 2, located in eastern São Paulo, is formed by the Paraíba do Sul River basin and spans over 1.4 million hectares. In 2016, the area of native forests in Region 1 accounted for 19.3% of the territory against 16.9% in 1988. In Region 2, forests expanded by 83%, from 250,000 to 455,000 hectares. However, while in Region 1, characterised by competition between agricultural crops, the forest gain was modest, in Region 2, marked by steep terrain and a decline in livestock activities, significant natural forest regeneration was favoured. Restoration of native forest vegetation in the state of São Paulo may vary significantly over regions.

Vertical Stratification of Solitary Bees and Wasps in an Urban Forest from the Brazilian Amazon.

Solitary bees and wasps that nest in cavities in tree trunks are important components of terrestrial ecosystems, providing pollination services, and in the case of wasps, the regulation of their prey populations. However, little is known about the vertical strata where bees and wasps build their nests. This is especially the case of urban forest remnants in the Amazon, which is relevant in the context of the global crisis in insect losses. We investigated the existence of vertical stratification in the nesting of solitary bees and wasps in an urban forest in Rio Branco, state of Acre, in the western Brazilian Amazon. We focused on whether wood temperature, ants, and termites are predictors of bee and wasp nesting. We sampled bee and wasp nests in the forest using trap-nests made with wooden blocks containing cavities with three different diameters for twelve months. Trap-nests were installed randomly at three heights in the forest. We collected 145 nests of 25 species, belonging to 11 genera and 6 families. A higher number of nests and species were collected in the upper stratum of the forest, strengthening the hypothesis that there is vertical stratification in the assemblage of solitary bees and wasps. Wood surface temperature and termite attacks on trap-nests were significantly different between strata, which may explain the vertical stratification of bee and wasp assemblages. Considering the importance of these insects for tropical forest ecosystems, the conservation of structurally complex and stratified forests is of paramount importance to maintain the diversity of this insect group.

Sustainability Assessment of Araucaria Forest Remnants in Southern Brazil: Insights from Traditional Forest Inventory Surveys

Sustainability Assessment of Araucaria Forest Remnants in Southern Brazil: Insights from Traditional Forest Inventory Surveys

Unique bird diversity in an Ethiopian church forest

AbstractToday, most of Ethiopia’s church forests are small forest patches surrounded by a degraded and anthropogenically modified landscape, mostly arable land. Nevertheless, these forest islands may still provide valuable habitats for typical forest species. It remains questionable whether these habitat remnants provide sufficient resources for forest species to successfully reproduce and persist in the long run. In this study, we assessed bird species based on point-counts in and around Tara Gedam Church Forest in northern Ethiopia. We observed birds in typical natural evergreen Afromontane forest (forest interior and forest edge) and in anthropogenic habitats, the semi-natural shrublands, agricultural land, and Eucalyptus tree plantations. We assigned ecological and behavioural characteristics to each of the bird species observed. Our results point to a specific bird community restricted to the forest interior and characterized by forest generalists and forest specialist birds. Along the forest edge, a mix of forest generalists and species of the open landscape can be found, creating mixed communities with high species overlap. The highest number of species was observed at the forest edge and in semi-natural shrubland, where both, open-land and forest species were found. On the other hand, the total number of species in the forest interior was comparatively low, with insectivorous and frugivorous typical forest species. Our results underline the fact that even small forest remnants are important for the conservation of forest species, which do not evade surrogate forest habitats.

Green deserts, but not always: A global synthesis of native woody species regeneration under tropical tree monocultures.

Tree monocultures constitute an increasing fraction of the global tree cover and are the dominant tree-growing strategy of forest landscape restoration commitments. Their advantages to produce timber are well known, but their value for biodiversity is highly controversial and context dependent. Therefore, understanding whether, and in which conditions, they can harbor native species regeneration is crucial. Here, we conducted meta-analyses based on a global survey of the literature and on a database created with local, unpublished studies throughout Brazil to evaluate the regeneration potential of native species under tree monocultures and the way management influences this regeneration. Native woody species regeneration under tree monocultures harbors a substantial fraction of the diversity (on average 40% and 68% in the global and Brazilian surveys, respectively) and abundance (on average 25% and 60% in the global and Brazilian surveys, respectively) of regeneration observed in natural forests. Plantations with longer rotation lengths, composed of native tree species, and located adjacent to forest remnants harbor more species. Pine plantations harbor more native individuals than eucalypt plantations, and the abundance of regenerating trees is higher in sites with higher mean temperatures. Species-area curves revealed that the number of woody species under pine and eucalypt plantations in Brazil is 606 and 598 species, respectively, over an aggregated sampled area of ca. 12 ha. We highlight that the understory of tree monocultures can harbor a considerable diversity of regenerating native species at the landscape and regional scales, but this diversity strongly depends on management. Long-rotation length and favorable location are key factors for woody regeneration success under tropical tree monocultures. Therefore, tree monocultures can play a role in forest landscape restoration and conservation, but only if they are planned and managed for achieving this purpose.

Complex patch geometries maximize species richness at the expense of forest specialists

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation are the greatest threats to reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna) around the globe, but especially in the Neotropics where high diversity and ongoing land‐use change coincide. Persistence of biodiversity in fragmented systems relies both on characteristics of habitat patches, and on the permeability of the landscape that separates the patches (the “matrix”). We sought to understand: (a) how the herpetofauna community differs between forest reserves, patches, corridors, and matrices, and (b) the landscape characteristics that increase suitability of a habitat patch. We conducted herpetofauna surveys in patches, corridors, matrices, and preserves (54 total sites) in a fragmented landscape in Costa Rica for three seasons. We recorded 1663 individuals of 52 species. We found that the herpetofauna community differed, and had lower richness and abundance, in the matrix compared to the other three habitat types. Patches and corridors supported a similar community to the forest preserves, demonstrating the conservation value of small forest remnants. Water body presence was an important predictor of richness and abundance in both patches and matrices. While total richness increased in patches with more edge, this was driven by the response of generalist species, whereas the prime indicator species of forest preserves decreased in patches with complex shapes. The differing response to landscape characteristics between specialist and generalist species demonstrates the importance of considering specific taxa when setting conservation goals, rather than using richness measures alone. Our findings can help guide preservation of forest fragments to optimize biodiversity conservation in mixed forest‐pastoral landscapes.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Impacts of the attributes of patches and the surrounding matrix on the phylogenetic diversity of tree species in urban remnant forests

AbstractUrbanization is a major cause of biotic homogenization and evolutionary poverty. Urban remnant forests are biodiversity hotspots in cities but are prone to phylogenetic homogenization. However, how urbanization‐driven changes in patch attributes and landscape heterogeneity levels of the surrounding matrix affect plant phylogenetic diversity in urban remnant forests remains unclear. We quantified tree phylogenetic diversity and structure in 30 remnant forest patches in Guiyang, China, using chloroplast genome data and analyzed the effects of patch attributes and the surrounding matrix on tree phylogenetic diversity and structure in the forests while considering tree species stage. The phylogenetic diversity of saplings/seedlings was lower than that of adult trees. Small patches contributed more than large patches to the overall phylogenetic diversity of remnant forest ecosystems. Additionally, tree phylogenetic diversity was positively associated with configurational heterogeneity of the surrounding matrix, while phylogenetic diversity and relatedness were negatively related to the percentage of surrounding impervious surfaces and patch size. Accordingly, we suggest maintaining configurational heterogeneity and controlling the speed of urban expansion in the surrounding matrix to better conserve urban remnant forests. Furthermore, the preservation of small forest remnants and tree species in the sapling/seedling stage should be prioritized.

Small Farm Holder Cropping Systems Influence Microbial Profiles in an Equatorial Rainforest Agroecosystem

The metabarcoding of prokaryotic and fungal (Ascomycota only) ribosomal DNA was used to describe the microbial communities in soils of a remnant equatorial rainforest, maize–bean intercrop, and sugarcane in western Kenya. Cropping systems influenced the microbial community composition and functional traits (energy source and nutrient cycling) of bulk soil in each crop. Microbial richness and diversity tended to increase with cultivation intensity. The soil of the maize–bean intercrop had lower percentages and sugarcane had higher percentages of unique amplicon sequence variants of both bacteria and fungi compared to the remnant forest. Functional traits were altered by cultivation intensity. Compared to remnant forest soils, maize–bean intercrop soil had lower percentages of aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria and higher percentages of N-cycling bacteria, while sugarcane had higher percentages of aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria and lower percentages of N-cycling bacteria. In the face of increasing forest loss and pressures for agricultural productivity, this landscape provides a rich site for studying the impacts of cropping systems on soil health.

Effect of exotic species management on the recovery of relict forests through citizen participation

In the cities, remnants of the vegetation that originally occupied these areas can be found. Exotic species have established in these relicts, and therefore these spaces require management aimed at recovering native vegetation. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the removing exotic species on the floristic composition of the remnants of an oak forest. We compared the abundance/cover and composition of exotic plants in a forest that has been managed through citizen participation with that of reference forests (both with remnants, but the former without protection and the latter with protection). We established 48 sampling sites to characterize the vegetation in three strata (upper, middle, and low) and monitored changes in composition in managed forest sites for a period of 3 years. The results indicate that the managed forest hosts different species than those found in the reference forests, with lower abundance and cover of exotic plants in the upper and lower strata. Regarding temporal changes, we observed shifts in floristic composition before and after management activities, and a reduction in the cover of exotic species before and after management, with consistently low cover three years later. This underscores the effectiveness of citizen-led management activities, offering a viable alternative for restoring native vegetation in urban environments.

Biodiversity and Carbon Sequestration in Chakra-Type Agroforestry Systems and Humid Tropical Forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Currently, there are several studies related to climate change, carbon sequestration, and floristic composition in different scenarios and land uses. In this context, the objective of this research is: (a) to characterize biodiversity based on ecological indicators and diversity indices and (b) to evaluate carbon sequestration in different components of chakra-type agroforestry systems and secondary tropical humid forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon. For this, temporary sampling plots of 1600 m2 are established on the properties to be investigated. The study found that the structural characteristics and floristic composition vary according to the forest arrangement and the management system. Secondary forests are the most diverse, according to the Shannon (3.49), Simpson (0.96), and Margaleft (9.34) diversity indices, in addition to having the largest carbon stores with 233 (Mg C ha−1), followed by agroforestry systems in association with timber trees (TAFS) and fruit trees (FAFS) with 97.8 and 95.1 (Mg C ha−1) respectively, and cocoa monoculture (CMC) with 90.4 (Mg C ha−1). These results demonstrate the importance of conserving the remnants of tropical forests that still remain, due to the diversity of species, ecosystem services, and the total carbon they contain, as well as the agroforestry systems (AFS), systems analogous to forests, which are gradually becoming important management systems, especially if they are associated with potential species to sequester carbon, such as those documented in this and several other studies that seek solutions to global climate change.

Evaluation of the evolutionary process within Populus caspica species from Hyrcanian forests by karyotype analysis

Caspian poplar (Populus caspica Bornm.) is distributed exclusively in the Hyrcanian forests. Hyrcanian forests are the final remnants of Tertiary temperate deciduous forests in Western Eurasia and worldwide. This species plays a significant ecological role in the protection of the natural environment in Hyrcanian forests. In this research, chromosome number and karyotype details of 11 populations of the species were investigated for the first time, using fresh root cuttings collected from mature trees in different parts of the forest, located in the northern parts of Iran. Pre-treatment, fixation, hydrolyzing, and staining were conducted by α-bromonaphthalene, carnoy’s solution, 1N HCl, and hematoxylin agent, respectively. Chromosomal data were analyzed according to a nested model based on a completely randomized design. Chromosome numbers of all of the populations were the same as 2n = 38, which mostly were medium region and sub-metacentric types. Significant differences were observed between the provinces and populations, based on chromosome length grand means, arm ratios and centromere indices. The results demonstrated that structural rearrangement has occurred within the studied populations and indicated an active evolutionary process within and between populations of the species due to natural hybridization. Also, these results showed that artificial inter-specific hybridization between the P. caspica and its relative species can be employed to broaden the ecological zone of the species.

Implications of the scale of detection for inferring co-occurrence patterns from paired camera traps and acoustic recorders.

Multifunctional landscapes that support economic activities and conservation of biological diversity (e.g., cattle ranches with native forest) are becoming increasingly important because small remnants of native forest may comprise the only habitat left for some wildlife species. Understanding the co-occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors, such as poaching activity and domesticated ungulates, is key to successful management of multifunctional landscapes. Tools to measure co-occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors include camera traps and autonomous acoustic recording units. We paired 52 camera-trap stations with acoustic recorders to investigate the association between 2 measures of disturbance (poaching and cattle) and wild ungulates present in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We used joint species distribution models to investigate species-habitat associations and species-disturbance correlations. One model was fitted using camera-trap data to detect wild ungulates and disturbance factors, and a second model was fitted after replacing camera-trap detections of disturbance factors with their corresponding acoustic detections. The direction, significance, and precision of the effect of covariates depended on the sampling method used for disturbance factors. Acoustic monitoring typically resulted in more precise estimates of the effects of covariates and of species-disturbance correlations. Association patterns between wildlife and disturbance factors were found only when disturbance was detected by acoustic recorders. Camera traps allowed us to detect nonvocalizing species, whereas audio recording devices increased detection of disturbance factors leading to more precise estimates of co-occurrence patterns. The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) co-occurred with disturbance factors and are conservation priorities due to the greater risk of poaching or disease transmission from cattle.

The history of Fagus sylvatica at its northern limit in Vendsyssel, Denmark

Pollen, plant macrofossils and charcoal analyses were used to study tree diversity, fire history and forest disturbance over the past c. 3500 years at three forest remnant sites in Vendsyssel, northern Denmark. All locations had a more diverse tree composition in the past including abundant Alnus, Betula, Corylus, Pinus, Quercus, Salix, Tilia and Ulmus. The changes in tree diversity through time can be attributed to a combination of factors including climate change, burning linked to shifting cultivation, grazing and felling. The balance between arboreal and non-arboreal pollen was already being influenced by human activities in the late Bronze Age c. 3000 years ago. The high pollen abundance values recorded for Tilia pre-2000 years ago are exceptional as compared to later periods at these sites. At one location, the transition from Tilia to Fagus indicated that Tilia prevailed until c. 1300 years ago. Subsequent periods of forest clearance, with charcoal and cereal cultivation, initially including Hordeum and subsequently also Secale, were recorded. There was pollen evidence for grazing followed by shrub regeneration including Calluna, Erica, Juniperus and herbaceous taxa, and following that, a forest recovery of mainly Fagus, Picea and Pinus. This recovery is also recorded in historical forest records from 1880 CE onwards, emphasising the dominant role of plantation schemes. Results are placed in a wider framework of other sites in Denmark and southern Scandinavia, which have also documented a reduction of tree diversity and forest cover over the same period. The evidence from the long-term record is used to draw conclusions to assist forest restoration programmes.

The preservation of old forests in southwest China is closely linked to the presence of ethnic minorities

Sacred forests are increasingly disappearing due to increasing land pressure and a decline in cultural values. Protecting the remaining sacred forests plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. The existence of remaining old forests often related to local people and their culture, but this relationship has rarely been quantified at large regional scales. This study analyzes the relationship between old forest and ethnic minorities based on the location of the old forest at a high spatial resolution (2 m). We found a significantly positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the proportion of ethnic minority population and old forest patch number, area, aggregation, and maximum patch area. However, there was no correlation with the connectivity of the old forest (p = 0.14). We further show that both environmental and anthropogenic factors are important for the distribution of old forests. Hydrothermal conditions contribute to the growth of forests, and local ethnic customs and the corresponding ecological wisdom contributes to the preservation of old forest remnants (r = 0.12, p < 0.05). Our findings highlight the significance of social dimensions for the conservation of old forests. We encourage that forest management should consider the role of indigenous people and their cultural wisdom for a better conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Spatial and temporal assessment of snake encounters in urban Delhi, India

Delhi, the capital city of India is, highly urbanized and surrounded by remnant forest, farms, ridges, and other green areas experience regular snake encounters in and around residential, institutional, and industrial areas. A total of 41 months of sampling from January 2019 to May 2022 was conducted wherein we, studied the snake assemblage in Delhi to determine the species composition, encounter frequency, seasonal activity patterns, and probable encounter sites in an urban setup. We documented 372 individuals belonging to 15 species from seven families out of 23 species found in Delhi. Snakes were found inside forests, public parks, homes, drain networks, streets, office buildings, and even in school-college buildings. The most recorded species being Ptyas mucosa (37.37%, n = 139), Naja naja (19.62%, n = 73), and Lycodon aulicus (13.44%, n = 50). The highest numbers of incidents were reported in the month of July (22.04%, n = 82) and August (19.89%, n = 74) during the peak monsoon season, for identifying high encounter sites, we used a geostatistical modeling tool, Ordinary kriging to identify places having more snake occurrences. We further used a statistical spatial method called average nearest neighbor distance to detect the pattern distribution of snake species. Spatial interpolation done through Ordinary kriging highlighted two areas having concentrated snake encounters. The results of the average nearest neighbor distance analysis showed three species having clustered and two species having dispersed distribution. The incidence of snake encounters was found to be highly seasonal and appeared to be associated mainly with monthly rainfall, temperature, and humidity. The findings of this study on snakes’ distribution patterns provide valuable insights into the conservation of these species. Understanding their habitat preferences and spatial distribution is crucial for the implementation of effective conservation strategies.