Analysis of Composition and Diversity of Herpetofauna in Humid Forests of Mejía Canton with Different Levels of Anthropogenic Intervention (Phase 1)

This project addresses the primary threat to Neotropical amphibians: habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities, such as land-use change and pollution, which impacts species survival due to specific biological requirements. Amphibians and reptiles are utilized as indicator groups for habitat degradation in the humid forests of the Mejía canton, which are crucial for local water resource regulation. The methodology involves establishing replicated transects across three types of vegetation cover (slightly, moderately, and highly altered), based on maps from the Ecuadorian Space Institute. Sampling will occur during four field excursions (dry and wet seasons) using visual encounter surveys with manual capture along transects, conducted both morning and night. Microhabitats will be characterized by measuring variables such as height above ground, temperature, relative humidity, and litter depth using specific instruments. Results will be analyzed by calculating alpha and beta diversity indices to detect herpetofauna turnover between areas, and microhabitat preferences for species will be determined, focusing on the least abundant ones.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To assess the composition and diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the humid forests of the Mejía canton, classified according to their degree of anthropogenic alteration, in order to determine the conservation status of these vital ecosystems.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and biological interrelationships