Species Diversity and Distribution of Amphibians in Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, China

TL;DR

This study explores how amphibian diversity and distribution vary with elevation in China's Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, identifying 25 species and highlighting conservation concerns.

Contribution

The study documents three newly recorded amphibian species and provides insights into their altitudinal distribution patterns in the reserve.

Findings

Species diversity was highest in Caijiaba and lowest in Shuichiping.

Species richness peaked at 900–1100 m and 1900–2100 m elevation bands.

Fourteen species were found in terrestrial-farmland and aquatic-lotic habitats.

Abstract

Understanding amphibian distribution and diversity along altitudinal gradients is crucial for developing effective conservation policies. This study investigated species distribution and diversity of amphibians in the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, located in western China. We identified 25 amphibian species across 8 families and 2 orders, including three newly recorded species: Fejervarya kawamurai, Polypedates braueri, and Boulenophrys minor. We found that eight species were classified as “threatened” species according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, and fourteen species inhabited terrestrial-farmland and aquatic-lotic environments. Species diversity analysis revealed the highest diversity in Caijiaba and the lowest in Shuichiping. Species richness peaked at elevation bands of 900–1100 m and 1900–2100 m, while elevations above 2300 m exhibited the lowest richness.

Mountain ecosystems offer valuable opportunities to study species distribution and diversity along altitudinal gradients, particularly for amphibians. This research examined amphibian species distribution, diversity, and conservation across an elevational gradient in the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve, part of the Hengduan Mountains in southwestern China. A total of 25 amphibian species, encompassing 8 families and 2 orders, were documented, including three newly recorded species: Fejervarya kawamurai, Polypedates braueri, and Boulenophrys minor. Among these, eight species were designated as “threatened” under IUCN criteria and are listed on China’s Biodiversity Red List. Caijiaba exhibited the highest species diversity, whereas Shuichiping had the lowest. Fourteen species were found in terrestrial-farmland and aquatic-lotic habitats, which supported the greatest species richness. The distribution pattern along the altitudinal gradient showed peaks in species richness at 900–1100 m and 1900–2100 m elevation bands, with higher elevations displaying reduced richness. These findings highlighted the spatial characteristics of amphibian distribution and diversity across altitudinal ranges in the Tangjiahe National Nature Reserve and provide insights for formulating conservation policies and adaptive habitat management strategies.

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