Species richness, distribution pattern, and conservation status of amphibians in Cross River National Park, south-eastern Nigeria

The Cross River National Park (CRNP) is an essential ecological gene-pool harbouring one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, and the last remaining rainforest in Nigeria.With the ongoing human-induced habitat degradation, it is critical to assess its amphibian assemblage and understand the role habitat variation plays on local species richness and abundance. Thus, we conducted several surveys between 2017 and 2019 to document its amphibian assemblage and distribution pattern. We also searched primary literature for the list of amphibians previously recorded in CRNP.Using the observation records, we tested the hypothesis that habitat variation affects local species richness and relative abundance. We further assessed the conservation status of species using the IUCN Red List. Results revealed the presence of at least 72 amphibian species in CRNP. Analyses showed that species richness was significantly high in the lowland forests and wetland/swamps when compared to savannah and agricultural field. Our study further revealed increased threats to amphibians of CRNP arising from human activities. The comparatively high species richness and increased threats to amphibians in CRNP highlights the biological importance of CRNP and places it among the most critical site for conservation of amphibians in Nigeria. Finally, we recommend improved community-based conservation programmes for the long-term survival of the amphibians and their associated habitats.