Journal
| Title | Species diversity, Distribution, and Microhabitats of Anurans on Mt. Kalo-Kalo of the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, Bukidnon, Philippines Posted by Olga Nu�eza |
| Authors | Von Carlo de la Torre and Olga M. Nuñeza |
| Publication date | March 2021 |
| Journal | Asian Herpetological Research |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 58-75 |
| Publisher | Science Press |
| Abstract | Anuransareconsideredgoodindicatorsofhabitat quality due to their bi-phasic life mode, limited dispersal abilities, and sensitivity to environmental changes brought about by habitat fragmentation, pollution, climate change, and emerging infectious diseases. This study aimed to determine species diversity and local distribution of anurans in lower (1000âÂÂ1400 masl) and upper (1400âÂÂ1600 masl) montane forests on Mt. Kalo-Kalo of the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park, Central Mindanao, Southern Philippines by employing standard sampling techniques for amphibians. We recorded a total of 251 individual anurans, representing 12 species during a brief recent study period. Mt. Kalo-KaloâÂÂs upper montane forest has a higher diversity index (Hâ =1.276) than the lower montane forest (Hâ = 0.851). Despite the very low diversity indices, the level of endemism of anurans was 100% where ten of the recorded species are Mindanao Faunal Region endemics and an additional two species are Philippine endemics. Ansonia muelleri exhibited the highest local abundance and individuals of this species which constituted 73% of individual anurans observed. Most of the species encountered prefer terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats, specifically on the rocks and bank substrates along the rivers and streams. Three species of anurans (Philautus acutirostris, P. poecilius, and Rhacophorus bimaculatus) were strictly found in arboreal microhabitats. Limnonectes magnus and A. muelleri have overlapping microhabitats. Results indicate that for such a short survey and modest sampling effort, the lower and upper montane forests of Mt. Kalo-Kalo support high endemism of anuran species suggesting that conservation efforts continue to be a priority in this unique protected area. |
| Index terms / Keywords | conservation,endemic,indicatorspecies,montane forest, protected area |
| DOI | 10.163.73/j.cnki.ahr |
| URL | htt://www.ahr-journal.com |