Diversity and conservation of African bufonids (Anura): Some preliminary findings

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
POYNTON, J.C. 1996. Diversity and conservation of African bufonids (Anura): Some preliminary findings. Afr. J. Herpetol. 45(1): 1–7. Fifty-nine species of Bufo are considered to occur in Africa. Preliminary analysis using grid partitioning shows greatest species diversity around the Bight of Biafra, Ethiopia and East Africa. Some 46% of all species are associated with mesic areas, 32% with arid areas. Twenty five dwarf non-Bufo species can be included in a Nectophryne and a Mertensophryne—Stephopaedes group; these are associated with forest or open highland situations, which augments the diversity shown by Bufo species in these situations. Disjunct species ranges associated with these situations, and the occurrence of isolated species and genera indicate that extinction is a normal part of the African scene. The small amount of evidence available shows that vulnerability of localized mesic species is a matter of great complexity, and that forest-associated species have proved to be able to tolerate replacement of natural vegetation with exotics provided cover is maintained. This is not to be taken as licence to disturb mesic habitats in Africa; time needs to be allowed to assess the effects of human-induced habitat disturbance.