AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN PRISTINE CONIFEROUS FORESTS: BASELINE DATA FOR CONSERVATION STUDIES

作者：Vega Trejo Regina^*; Trejo Irma; Flores Villela Oscar A; Reynoso Victor H

来源：Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 2013, 8(3): 622-640.

• broadleaf forest
• conservation
• oak-pine forest
• pine-oak forest
• riparian vegetation

Pristine ecosystems are scarce worldwide. Understanding the community structure of amphibians and reptiles in pristine forests allows us to quantify the essential habitat features necessary for the species of animals and plants to survive. Data on the herpetofaunal community in pristine ecosystems also provides a baseline to evaluate the impacts of disturbance. We surveyed five vegetation types within a coniferous forest protected by indigenous people in a high mountain forest in southern Mexico. We found high endemism of the herpetofauna associated with temperature and humidity along an elevation gradient. Salamander richness and abundance was greater at higher elevations (2,760-3,260 m) in broadleaf and coniferous forests, and lizard and snake richness was greater at lower elevations (1,940-2,400 m) in riparian vegetation, oak-pine, and pine-oak forests. Some salamander and snake species were restricted to particular vegetation types suggesting that the alteration of these vegetation types may negatively impact unique species. The community structure of amphibians and reptiles, based on composition, richness, and abundance, can be used as an indicator to evaluate environmental changes in conservation and restoration projects.

• 出版日期2013-12