Comparisons of the impacts of disturbance on amphibian species richness in the Chocóan Rainforest, Ecuador

Reserva Tesoro Escondido is located within the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot in north-west Ecuador and is home to approximately 679 amphibian species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of disturbance on amphibian species richness, abundance and assemblage through the use of visual encounter surveys along three study sites within the Reserva Tesoro Escondido. The results from these surveys report 406 observations and 46% of the total known amphibian species. Species evenness and diversity did not significantly vary across three sites sampled in the reserve even when accounting for abiotic factors, resulting in a site-specific species assemblage. Generalised Linear Models (GLM) investigated species richness and abundance relationship to environmental variables, finding altitude as the most significant factor on species abundance and richness. Overall, the results showed great diversity and no trace of species homogenisation across habitats which may be linked to disturbance.<p></p>