Introduction to the taxonomy of the amphibians of Kaieteur National Park, Guyana

Abstract

Kaieteur National Park is a protected area covering ca. 63,000 ha located at the eastern edge of the Pakaraima Mountains, in a largely unexplored region of west-central Guyana. Next to providing description of the area, its vegetation and climate, an overview of the equipment and appropriate techniques needed to study amphibian taxonomy, this manual also provides a brief summary of our current knowledge of the amphibian systematics in the region, key features useful to identify amphibians, and the very first field guide dealing with the amphibian fauna of Guyana, notably with the amphibians of Kaieteur National Park. A total of 48 species (46 anurans and 2 caecilians) are treated and illustrated in colour. Field keys, field identifications, brief information on natural history, calls, tadpoles and distribution within and outside the Park are also included. This work also reports the microhylid Synapturanus salseri Pyburn, 1975 for the first time from Guyana.