Assessment of Amphibian Diversity and Distribution in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Keywords:
Amphibians, Distribution, Diversity, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai ProvinceAbstract
This study aimed to assess the diversity, distribution, and species status of amphibians in selected areas of Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. Field surveys and specimen collections were conducted at four forest sites near water sources and streams between June to August 2023, specifically during the nighttime. The results revealed a total of 183 amphibian specimens, comprising 6 families, 16 genera, and 23 species. The family Rhacophoridae exhibited the highest species richness with 7 species, the family Ranidae with 5 species. Limnonectes taylori was identified as the most abundant species and was distributed across all survey sites. Regarding biodiversity indices, Site 3 (Ban Pang Kamphaeng Hin) demonstrated the highest species richness with 14 species. Meanwhile, Site 1 (Ban Pang Nam Thu) and Site 3 recorded the highest Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index values (2.23), reflecting a moderately diverse ecosystem. Site 2 (Ban Pang Bong) showed the highest species evenness (0.88). Furthermore, according to the IUCN Red List assessment, all 23 species were categorized as Least Concern (LC). However, habitat loss driven by community expansion and land utilization, along with climate variability, remained critical threats directly correlated with the risk of population decline among amphibians in the area. These findings provide valuable baseline data for future planning, management, and sustainable conservation of local biological resources.
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