# The Herpetofauna Present in the Province of Pastaza in Ecuador: Diversity and Conservation Status

## TL;DR

This study documents 75 amphibian and reptile species in Ecuador's Pastaza province, emphasizing the need for habitat-specific conservation due to high diversity and species at risk.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive and recent inventory of herpetofauna in Pastaza, including conservation status and habitat-specific diversity patterns.

## Key findings

- 75 species of amphibians and reptiles were recorded, with high diversity across habitats.
- Species at risk (VU and EN) were identified, indicating conservation concerns.
- Diversity indices showed interannual variation, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.

## Abstract

Pastaza, a highly biodiverse area of the Amazon rainforest, lacks recent information about its amphibian and reptile species. Between 2013 and 2018, this study surveyed different habitats using several search methods, both day and night. The researchers found 75 species, including frogs, lizards, snakes and salamanders. Some species were much more common depending on the habitat. Overall diversity was high, but some species are at risk and communities changed over time. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts tailored to each habitat type.

The province of Pastaza is a biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon but lacks up-to-date inventories of its herpetofauna. This study aimed to provide an updated characterization of the richness, composition and conservation status of amphibians and reptiles in different habitats. Between 2013 and 2018, standardized sampling was carried out using quadrats (8 × 8 m) and transects (100 × 20 m), as well as pitfall traps and daytime and night-time visual censuses. A total of 900 h of effort was distributed across six habitats. Coverage estimators, species accumulation curves, range abundance curves, and alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, and Chao-1) were used for data analysis, as well as similarity indices (Jaccard). A total of 75 species were recorded (51 anurans, eight lizards, 14 snakes and two salamanders), displaying habitat-dependent dominance patterns led by Dendropsophus sarayacuensis and Scinax ruber. Diversity is considered high according to the Chao-1 (19.63–60.53), Shannon–Weaver (2.402–3.223), and Simpson (0.861–0.947) indices, showing interannual variation with a temporary decrease in year 5 and an increase in year 6. The presence of species at risk (VU, n = 26 spp. and EN, n = 2) and high temporal variability highlight the need for continuous monitoring and conservation strategies tailored to specific habitats.