Amphibian diversity in relation to environmental change in harenna forest, bale mountains national park, Ethiopia: A remote sensing and GIS approach

Abstract

Amphibian diversity and abundance in relation to environmental change in Harenna Forest, BMNP was assessed using GIS and Remote sensing. Sampling of amphibian communities was conducted during July-August 2008 and February 2009; which includes wet and dry seasons in the area. Data on diversity, evenness and dominance was analyzed; seven endemic amphibian species belonging to one order, 5 families and 5 genera were recorded. The current results were compared with the past investigation of amphibians in the Harenna Forest. The results showed a decrease in abundance and diversity of amphibians over the past decades. GIS and Remote sensing methods using satellite images of the Harenna Forest were used to quantitatively analyze land use/land cover changes from 1973 to 2000. The results showed a significant reduction in the forest cover and wetlands followed by the establishment of new land use types, such as agricultural land and settlement in 2000.