Diversity and altitudinal distribution of amphibians in the Toisán mountain range, Ecuador

Abstract

The goal of this study was to record the diversity and altitudinal distribution of amphibians from the Toisán mountain range in north-western Ecuador. We surveyed four 400x4 m transects at elevations ranging from 2536 to 2911 meters above sea level (masl), covering the micro-habitats where amphibians are usually found (i.e., leaflitter, bromeliads, under logs). Collected specimens were deposited at the Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Ecuador. To estimate the regional and altitudinal diversity, we used the Shannon index and the Nearest Neighbour algorithm (K-NN). We registered 14 species encompassed in five genera and four families, with the genus Pristimantis having highest species richness. The transect Toisán 1 showed the greatest diversity, probably because there were no steep slopes and it was at a lower altitude. We conclude that most species exhibit restricted elevational ranges. Also, at least four species of Pristimantis might be new to science. Finally, we found a species (Hyloscirtus criptico) considered as Endangered by the IUCN.