Frogs of the greater Nature's Valley Area: Biodiversity and conservation

Abstract

The Nature's Valley area in the Western Cape of South Africa is a topographically unique region with immense conservation potential. Amphibians are classified as the most threatened group of vertebrates globally, yet they remain largely neglected, underfunded and overlooked in terms of conservation and research, especially in this area. CHAPTER ONE discusses the extent of threats facing amphibian and conservation trends globally, then narrows down to the need for biodiversity studies, threatened species conservation and human-frog interaction interventions that could support viable frog populations in the Nature's Valley area. CHAPTER TWO aims to contribute to the need for updated amphibian distribution maps by conducting the first thorough amphibian biodiversity assessment in this area since 1987, with the use of modern passive acoustic monitoring technology. This chapter expands on the species list for the area by sharing insight in habitat selection, circadian vocal patterns, seasonal change in chorus composition, and associated weather affinity of each species. CHAPTER THREE utilises modern statistical software to add to the description and analysis of the calls of the Knysna leaf-folding frog (Afrixalus knysnae). R coding language is frequently used in various fields for statistical analysis but was only recently made suitable for acoustic analysis. This chapter expands on the use of this coding language in the description and analysis of the two-part call of this endangered frog, contributing to future taxonomic studies. Behavioural observations made in situ forms an important part of this chapter - building on what was thought to be known of this species. CHAPTER FOUR solely reports on the effect that various environment factors have on tadpole development of A. knysnae. Knowledge obtained from this could contribute to future ex situ conservation - probable and possibly effective conservation action according to the second Global Amphibian Assessment. CHAPTER FIVE explores a potential threat to effective amphibian conservation in South Africa , namely human behaviours, attitudes and actions towards the environment. In this chapter, various factors that influence human behaviours and attitudes towards frogs are explored, discussed and applied in the Nature's Valley context. Important future conservation interventions - taking local communities (and their views and beliefs) into consideration - are discussed.

CHAPTER SIX contextualises all that is discussed above and attempts to discuss this in a practical sense to contribute to effective frog conservation approaches in the Nature's Valley area. Aims and objectives, conclusions and recommendations are revisited and expanded upon.