Amphibian Diversity, Ecology and Threats in Kaffa Area, Southwest Ethiopia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Afework Bekele | |
| dc.contributor.author | Abeje Kassie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-09-06T00:02:42Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-09-06T00:02:42Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The current study was conducted on amphibian diversity, ecology and threats in the Kaffa Ethiopia from 2018 to 2022. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of the species composition and habitat association of amphibians in Kaffa. Data were collected during both the rainy and dry seasons using various methods, including opportunistic observations, audio recordings and visual encounters. Standardized transect sampling methods were used to gather data on the diversity and distribution of frog species. In order to capture a diverse range of frog species, drift fence and pitfall trap techniques were employed. To assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of local communities regarding the conservation status of frog, 347 individuals from participatory forest management association were selected for the survey. Frog skin and toe swab were conducted to test the presence of amphibian Chytrid fungus in the area. The study focused on three distinct habitat types: wetlands, agricultural land, and riverine forests. These habitats were thoroughly explored to document the presence of frog species. A significant amount of effort was dedicated to the fieldwork, with a total of 3,672 person-hours spent in the study area. A total of 5,678 individual frogs belonging to 26 different species were recorded. These species represented eleven genera and eight families of frogs. Among the recorded species, six were not previously recorded in the Kaffa area, highlighting the importance of this study. The identification of the species was primarily based on their physical characteristics (morphology) and subsequently validated using genetic barcoding techniques. Molecular systematic analysis using mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequencing was conducted to further confirm the species' identities. The earlier study using morphological identification mis-identified the species as Leptopelis ragazzii, but further analysis using DNA sequencing revealed that it is actually Leptopelis vannutellii. Similarly, the Hyperolius individuals were initially classified as H. nasutus, but DNA barcoding demonstrated that they belong to the species H. howelli. Additionally, three potential new species were discovered, namely Leptopelis sp. 1, Leptopelis sp. 2, and Phrynobatrachus sp. 1. In terms of abundance, the family Hyperoliidae was the most prevalent among the recorded frogs followed by Phrynobatrachidae, while Conrauidae was the least abundant. Wetland habitat supported the highest number of species, followed by the riverine forest, whereas agricultural land supported the lowest number of species. Shannon diversity index showed that wetlands had the highest values (2.131) followed by agricultural land (1.58). Among the environmental variables, temperature had a significant negative impact whereas precipitation had a non-significantly positive relationship with the abundance of frogs. Kaffa area is known for its rich variety of frog species, comprising about 35% of the country's amphibians. Unfortunately, these habitats have experienced fragmentation and degradation due to the expansion of agriculture, drainage of water from the wetlands, and the conversion of horticulture areas into field crops. To address these issues, we strongly recommend the active involvement of non-governmental organizations, district, and regional officials, as well as local communities in and around Kaffa, in the conservation and protection of wetlands and forests to maintain the diverse assemblage of frogs. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7408 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_US | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa University | |
| dc.subject | Amphibia | |
| dc.subject | Conservation | |
| dc.subject | Diversity | |
| dc.subject | DNA Sequence | |
| dc.subject | Habitat | |
| dc.subject | Kaffa | |
| dc.subject | New Species | |
| dc.title | Amphibian Diversity, Ecology and Threats in Kaffa Area, Southwest Ethiopia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |