Effects of topography and anthropogenic alterations in forest environments on the breeding use by two endangered frog species in Amami-Oshima Island

Two endangered frog species, Babina subaspera and Odorrana splendida, exhibit distinct breeding site preferences shaped more by topographic factors than anthropogenic alterations in Amami-Oshima Island's subtropical forests. The study found that upstream contributing area (UCA), topographic wetness index (TWI), and altitude were critical determinants for B. subaspera, while O. splendida prioritized altitude, followed by UCA and TWI. Anthropogenic factors—forest age, road density, and mongoose presence—had a lesser but still notable impact, with younger forests (<40 years old) and higher road or mongoose densities reducing breeding site suitability. These findings suggest that the species' specific topographical requirements may mitigate some anthropogenic pressures, offering insights for targeted conservation strategies.

Iwai, N. (2021). Effects of topography and anthropogenic alterations in forest environments on the breeding use by two endangered frog species in Amami-Oshima Island. Journal of Forest Research, 26(3), 208–214. https://doi.org/10.1080/13416979.2021.1899577