The anuran community in the Mahimborondro Protected Area in the Northern Highlands of Madagascar

Abstract

We conducted biological inventories of anurans during two consecutive rainy seasons, from November to
December 2019 and in November 2020, at the Mahimborondro Protected Area (MPA) in the Northern Highlands of
Madagascar. We employed three complementary methods: direct counts along 15 permanent transects, examination
of refugia, and pitfalls along drift fences. We recorded a total of 33 species in 13 genera and four families. Four of the
species are included in threatened categories of the IUCN Red List. The endemism rate is extremely high with 100%
of species endemic to Madagascar. Of these, 16 (48.4%) are restricted to the Northern Highlands. Six species were
classified as abundant, 11 as common, 10 as infrequent, and six species as rare at the MPA. Similarity indices show that
the anuran community in the MPA differs distinctly from those in three nearby Protected Areas (Tsaratanana Reserve,
Bemanevika Harmonious Landscape, and COMATSA Nord Reserve). Further investigations during various seasons
and at other sites are recommended in order to learn more about anuran diversity in the MPA and to establish an effective monitoring system and conservation plan.