Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar
Mountain summits in Madagascar generally have species with specific habitat requirements, providing a home to a unique and locally endemic herpetofauna. Among them is <i>M. pauliani</i>, a typically aquatic and critically endangered amphibian found on the Ankaratra Massif. This species i...
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MDPI AG
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/17/2706 |
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| author | Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina Bernard Randriamahatantsoa Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa |
| author_facet | Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina Bernard Randriamahatantsoa Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa |
| author_sort | Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Mountain summits in Madagascar generally have species with specific habitat requirements, providing a home to a unique and locally endemic herpetofauna. Among them is <i>M. pauliani</i>, a typically aquatic and critically endangered amphibian found on the Ankaratra Massif. This species inhabits high elevations with a limited distribution range. Our study aimed to present new data on the distribution and elevational range, habitat use, and threats to <i>M. pauliani</i> and its occurrence according to habitat changes. To achieve this, annual monitoring was carried out from 2018 to 2021. Nine 100 m transects were established along streams at elevations ranging from 1762 to 2378 m a.s.l. along which we conducted visual encounter surveys. Data analysis was performed using a χ<sup>2</sup> test and Factor Correspondence Analysis. We found that <i>M. pauliani</i> occupies elevations between 1900 and 2378 m a.s.l. within humid forests and savannah habitats. The results showed a fluctuation in the number of animals observed and a higher occurrence at higher elevations throughout the years according to the season, stream quality, and water volume. Ongoing habitat alteration makes <i>M. pauliani</i> vulnerable to population decline, with annual bushfires likely having a negative impact on habitat. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:29:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-cec7baf2446c40919fd27a9b5803ccc0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T23:29:05Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-cec7baf2446c40919fd27a9b5803ccc02023-11-19T07:46:17ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152023-08-011317270610.3390/ani13172706Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, MadagascarHerizo Oninjatovo Radonirina0Bernard Randriamahatantsoa1Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa2Doctoral School of Natural Ecosystem, University of Mahajanga, Mahajanga 401, MadagascarEnvironmental and Life Science, Faculty of Sciences Technology and Environment, University of Mahajanga, University Campus of Ambondrona, Mahajanga 401, MadagascarDoctoral School of Natural Ecosystem, University of Mahajanga, Mahajanga 401, MadagascarMountain summits in Madagascar generally have species with specific habitat requirements, providing a home to a unique and locally endemic herpetofauna. Among them is <i>M. pauliani</i>, a typically aquatic and critically endangered amphibian found on the Ankaratra Massif. This species inhabits high elevations with a limited distribution range. Our study aimed to present new data on the distribution and elevational range, habitat use, and threats to <i>M. pauliani</i> and its occurrence according to habitat changes. To achieve this, annual monitoring was carried out from 2018 to 2021. Nine 100 m transects were established along streams at elevations ranging from 1762 to 2378 m a.s.l. along which we conducted visual encounter surveys. Data analysis was performed using a χ<sup>2</sup> test and Factor Correspondence Analysis. We found that <i>M. pauliani</i> occupies elevations between 1900 and 2378 m a.s.l. within humid forests and savannah habitats. The results showed a fluctuation in the number of animals observed and a higher occurrence at higher elevations throughout the years according to the season, stream quality, and water volume. Ongoing habitat alteration makes <i>M. pauliani</i> vulnerable to population decline, with annual bushfires likely having a negative impact on habitat.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/17/2706<i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i>Ankaratralandscapehabitat typeseasondistribution |
| spellingShingle | Herizo Oninjatovo Radonirina Bernard Randriamahatantsoa Nirhy H. C. Rabibisoa Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar Animals <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> Ankaratra landscape habitat type season distribution |
| title | Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar |
| title_full | Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar |
| title_fullStr | Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar |
| title_full_unstemmed | Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar |
| title_short | Population Status and Vulnerability of <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> from Ankaratra Protected Area, Madagascar |
| title_sort | population status and vulnerability of i mantidactylus pauliani i from ankaratra protected area madagascar |
| topic | <i>Mantidactylus pauliani</i> Ankaratra landscape habitat type season distribution |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/17/2706 |
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