Species diversity of Amphibia, Reptilia and Lipotyphla (Mammalia) at Ambolokopatrika, a rainforest between the Anjanaharibe-sud and Marojejy massifs, NE Madagascar

The Reserve Speciale d' Anjanaharibe-Sud and the Parc National de Marojejy are two important areas of biodiversity and endemicity in northeastern Madagascar. These reserves are separated by about 40 km, including the extensive Andapa Basin, and connected by a rather narrow mid-altitude montane ridge. Nothing was previously known about the biota of this corridor and its faunal relations with the two reserves. At this purpose, during 1997 the Ambolokopatrika rainforest (lying about midway between Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy massifs) was surveyed for amphibians, reptiles, and for small mammals belonging to the order Lipotyphla. As a general rule these vertebrates may be important ecological indicators, while the herpetofauna (Amphibia, Reptilia) exhibits a high degree of habitat specialisation and endemicity. Furthermore, the herpetofauna and lipotyphlans of Ambolokopatrika Forest were compared to those known from the forests of Anjanaharibe-Sud, Marojejy, and Tsararano massifs, the latter site being a southern extension of the Anjanaharibe-Sud chain. These animals were surveyed by use of opportunistic searching and pitfall trapping during two seasonal periods, May-June (winter), and November-December (summer). Forty-two species of amphibians, 23 of reptiles, and nine of lipotyphlans were recorded at Ambolokopatrika Forest. The biodiversity of Ambolokopatrika is comparable to those of other analysed sites, and this stresses the value of this forest in assuring biotic exchange between Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy reserves. Considerations are also provided on the faunal similarities and differences in terms of exclusivity and endemisms. It is therefore suggested that a certain degree of protection should be given to Ambolokopatrika rainforest, to assure a biological connection and exchange between the protected areas of Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy.