Syntopic or Not? The Ecology and Conservation of Two Critically Endangered Frogs from Tanzania

11 Jun 2024 Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania, Africa Amphibians | Biodiversity | Communities | Forests

Ardgard Essau Mwamgeni

Callulina hanseni and Callulina meteora are the two frog species located in Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve (MNFR), Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. The two species coexist together. This study aims to understand the ecology of the two species, amidst the ongoing rapid forest loss (Hall et al. 2009). Apart from Loader et al. 2010(ab) and Menegon and Gower (2011) who described the species, no study has investigated the ecology of these species such as basic ecological characteristics like where they live (forest type and altitude), how they breed, and their feeding. Records from Loader et al. (2010ab) for C. hanseni and Menegon et al (2011) for C. meteora show the two species are forest-dependent with the extent of occurrence being less than 100km2, which led to the Critically Endangered categorization by the IUCN redlist. The two species co-exist in the higher elevations of the MNFR (Loader et al 2010; Menegon et al 2011). On-going surveys for forest toads Nectophrynoides spp in the same locality have recently recorded C. hanseni at lower elevations 1231m asl across a wider altitudinal zone, whereas C. meteora appears restricted to 1850m asl and above. These recent surveys may indicate previous underestimations of the extent of occurrence.

Outside one of my assistants’ homes in Maskati village, shortly before starting our hike to the forest. ©Ardgard Essau Mwamgeni.

Outside one of my assistants’ homes in Maskati village, shortly before starting our hike to the forest. ©Ardgard Essau Mwamgeni.

The ongoing forest loss in the reserve raises serious concerns about the conservation of forest-dependent species. The situation is of huge concern for species lacking ecological information. This study aims to conduct an extensive survey in MNFR, targeting areas that haven’t been surveyed before, and those with records, to assess extent of occurrence. The study will also collect data on microhabitat characteristics for observed individuals. This will enable understanding the species' habitat requirements and will enable predicting impacts of ongoing deforestation. Simultaneously this study will raise awareness to the adjacent villages on the significance of MNFR as the reserve harbour many endemic species that are poorly appreciated by nearby communities. The awareness campaigns will also target finding remedies to the ongoing forest loss.

At Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, Lusingiso waterfalls during a day search. ©Ardgard Essau Mwamgeni.

At Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, Lusingiso waterfalls during a day search. ©Ardgard Essau Mwamgeni.

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