A rainforest survey of amphibians, reptiles and small mammals at Montagne d'Ambre, Madagascar

Abstract

The Montagne d'Ambre mountain range in northern Madagascar was surveyed for amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. The rainforest of this region is geographically isolated from the continuous rainforest belt of northern and eastern Madagascar. A total of 24 amphibian, 46 reptile, and 12 mammal species was recorded over two months, by direct sampling and pitfall trapping. Despite previous collecting in this region for more than 100 years, 56% of the species found were new records for Montagne d'Ambre. Possibly seven (three amphibians, three reptiles, one small mammal) of the species recorded are undescribed, and nine are probably endemic to Montagne d'Ambre. The endemic species are Plethodontohyla sp. nov. 2 and 3, Brookesia sp. nov. 1 and 2, Paracontias brocchii, Zonosaurus haroldmeieri, Liopholidophis sp. nov., Pseudoxyrhopus ambreensis, and Microgale parvula. Published amphibian and reptile species lists for Montagne d'Ambre contained 26-40% errors, which is probably typical for most sites in Madagascar, and cautions against using such sources of data indiscriminately.The vast majority of species (83%) were found only in primary forest, and the majority (70%) had restricted altitudinal ranges, either occurring above or below 900 m elevation. The presence of low-altitude specialists at Montagne d'Ambre clearly demonstrates the need to conserve the lower altitude peripheral forests which are most vulnerable to encroachment and degradation.