Spatial Distribution Patterns of an Amphibian Community in a Threatened West Africa Rainforest (Ivory Coast)

The amphibian communities in Banco National Park (BNP) and two forest fragments were studied. The surveys were realised on 24 transects from July 2003 to July 2006. These surveys permit to study amphibian spatial distribution patterns. The standardized transects technique, based on the acoustic and visual surveys, was used. A total of 7933 anurans were sampled. We identified 28 species, 13 genera and 8 families in BNP. In Filtisac forest, we sampled 13 species, 8 genera, 6 families and in University forest 9 species, 7 genera and 6 families. Hyperoliidae (32.14 %) were the most diversified group. Dicroglossidae and Pipidae were represented by one species (3.57 %). Four habitats types were distinguished based on species assemblage. In BNP swampy areas, Phrynobatrachus ghanensis, P. phyllophilus and Aubria subsigillata were abundant. The closed and sparse dry habitats are characterized by the abundance of Arthroleptis spp. and Phrynobatrachus tokba. In the open areas, Phrynobatrachus latifrons, Hyperolius fusciventris lamtoensis, Afrixalus dorsalis, Ptychadena pumilio, two Amietophrynus species were encountered. Canopy, humidity, and water bodies were the main environmental factors which influenced the spatial distribution. These results showed that BNP was well preserved so far, except the central clearing. The two forest fragments were altered by human activities.