Amphibian fauna of Pakistan with notes on future prospects of research and conservation

Abstract

Research on amphibians and their conservation have gained worldwide attention, as the group includes the highest number of threatened and Data Deficient species when compared to other vertebrates. However, amphibians have long been neglected in wildlife conservation, management decisions, policy making, and research agendas in Pakistan. In this paper, an annotated checklist of the 21 amphibian species of Pakistan, a key to their identification, and detailed discussions on variation in species, including the genera Minervarya and Sphaerotheca, are provided. We found a statistically significant difference in the morphometric measurements of males but non-significant difference in the females of the two forms (rusty dorsum and dotted dorsum) of S. maskeyi. Some genera, such as Microhyla, Uperodon, Minervarya, Allopaa, Chrysopaa, Euphlyctis, Nanorana, and Sphaerotheca, in Pakistan are in need of additional data for molecular and morphological comparisons with taxa in other South Asian countries. The predicaments of amphibian research in Pakistan are discussed, gaps identified, and suggestions are made. Although the occurrence of chytrid fungus in Pakistan is predicted of low likelihood, a lack of data merits studying the prevalence of the fungus, particularly in the northern regions of the country which exhibit complex and dynamic ecosystems. It is recommended that systematic and coordinated surveys are conducted throughout the country to build a database of species occurrences and distributions. Additionally, the monitoring of wild populations and threat mitigation, as well as appropriate legislation, are suggested as long-term measures. By adopting an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan, amphibians could be integrated into wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Niche suitability and spatial distribution patterns of anurans in a unique Ecoregion mosaic of Northern Pakistan

“…Pakistan’s National Climate Change Policy (2012), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015) and Pakistan Wetland Action Plan (2000) proposed guidelines for the conservation of natural resources, including fauna and flora, and mitigation of threats [ 14 , 15 ]. Currently, 21 species of amphibian (all anurans) have been documented in Pakistan [ 16 ] of which nine are believed to be endemic [ 17 ]. However, no progress on integrating anurans in wildlife conservation, and policy development or legislation has been made.…”

Movement Paradigm for Hazara Torrent Frog Allopaa hazarensis and Murree Hills Frog Nanorana vicina (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

“…Conservation of amphibians is becoming more vital due to the increasing global extinction rate in this group ( Rais et al 2021 ). Amphibians respond to geophysical characteristics at broad spatial scales, but few studies have examined their response to changes in landscape structure and climate change ( Dupuis et al 2000 , Adams and Bury 2002 ).…”

“…Endemic amphibians are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and are susceptible to population declines ( Lecis and Norris 2004 , Moore et al 2004 ) because of their restricted distribution range. The Murree Hills Frog and Hazara Torrent Frog are endemic to South Asia and Pakistan, respectively ( Khan 2006 , Rais et al 2021 ). These frogs are associated with the torrential streams and nearby clear water pools in subtropical chir pine forest and Himalayan moist temperate forest at elevations higher than 1000 m ( Ahmed et al 2020 ), and their breeding season is from July-August ( Saeed et al 2021 ).…”