Species diversity and spatial distribution of amphibian fauna along the altitudinal gradients in Jigme Dorji National Park, western Bhutan

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study conducted on the diversity and spatial distribution of amphibian fauna in two different habitat types along the elevation gradients of Mochu River valley in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. The survey was conducted from November 2017 to February 2019. The study aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of amphibians using an opportunistic visual encounter survey technique. A total of 16 species of amphibians belonging to nine genera distributed among seven families were documented during the study period. The Shannon diversity index was relatively higher in the primary forest habitat than in the agro-ecosystem, however, there was no statistically significant difference of species abundance. The decreasing trend of diversity and abundance of amphibian fauna was noticed towards higher altitudinal zones. About 56% of species were recorded in the lower sampling sites (1200–1600m) indicating more favourable climatic conditions and habitat types for amphibian assemblages at lower elevations.

A review of torrent frogs ([i]Amolops[/i]: Ranidae) from Bhutan, the description of a new species, and reassessment of the taxonomic validity of some [i]A. viridimaculatus[/i] group species aided by archival DNA sequences of century-old type specimens

“…(viridimaculatus group)" pending a detailed taxonomic study of voucher specimens from the locality. Koirala et al (2019) reported four species of Amolops (A. marmoratus, A. mantzorum, A. monticola and an unidentified Amolops species) from Jigme Dorji National Park (but gave no specific localities) in western Bhutan. A photograph of A. marmoratus (image 4) represents an A. cf.…”

“…Wangyal et al (2020) did not refer to Koirala et al's (2019) prior identification. The field work in Koirala et al (2019) was reported to have been carried out from November 2017 to February 2019, however, the photo voucher in Wangyal et al (2020) was reported to have been taken on 20 July 2019, indicating a discrepancy in the date that the photo vouchered animal was observed between these two papers. As mentioned above the individual photographed in both studies represents a juvenile viridimaculatus species group member; A. wenshanensis is a member of the morphologically disparate monticola species group (Yuan et al, 2018).…”

Diversity, Evenness, and Dominance Index of Amphibians in Lowland Rain Forest: A Case of Anura Ordo in Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

“…The existence of these few species is most likely the result of disturbances produced by frequent public visits to RPTN Rawa Bunder. The habitat degradation could be due to the high adaptability of the species to the environment (Koirala et al 2019).…”

The first record of Medog Gliding Frog Rhacophorus translineatus Wu, 1977 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Chhukha District, Bhutan

“…In Bhutan, the Rhacophoridae are represented by four species: two from the genus Polypedates and two Rhacophorus species (Wangyal 2014;Das et al 2016;Tshewang & Letro 2018;Koirala et al 2019). Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852) formerly Rhacophorus maximus, was reported from Zhemgang (Wangyal 2014) and Jigme Dorji National Park (Koirala et al 2016).…”

“…In 2016, Rhacophorus bipunctatus Ahl, 1927 was reported from Royal Manas National Park (Das et al 2016). Currently, the anuran fauna of Bhutan is represented by 83 recognized species distributed among seven genera (Das et al 2016;Nidup et al 2016;Tshewang & Letro 2018;Koirala et al 2019;Wangyal 2013Wangyal , 2014Tenzin & Wangyal 2019;Wangyal & Gurung 2017;Wangyal et at. 2020).…”