Herpetofauna Diversity In Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

A study of the herpetofauna (amphibians & reptiles) community of Kerinci-Seblat National Park (KSNP) was conducted January-March 2005 (Phase 1), February-March 2006 (Phase 2), January-March 2007 (Phase 3) and in February 2008 (Phase 4). Fifteen survey sites were selected, which consisted of six sites in KSNP-Jambi Province (Gunung Tujuh, Rawa Bento, Tapan, Renah Kayu Embun, Lumayang, Sungai Durian); four sites in KSNP-West Sumatra Province (Muara Sako, Muara Kambang, Muara Labuh, Lubuk Selasih); four sites in KSNP-South Sumatra Province (Sulap Hills, Seloso Hills, Napal Licin, Upper Rupit River) and one site in KSNP-Bengkulu Province (Ketenong). The elevation of the fifteen survey sitesranged from 50 m to 2000 m asl. The surveys were conducted visual observation,lighting, trapping and hand collection. Ten herpetofauna habitat types were identified within the surveyed areas there were hilly primary forest, hilly cultivated land, highland hill forest, lowland hill forest, marshland, edificarian, hilly plantation, low flatland cultivation, secondary hill forest and heavily degraded forest. A total of 71 frog species and 38 reptile species were recorded during the surveys. Less than half (n=45) of the herpetofauna species encountered at the fifteen survey sites were found in forested areas; 25 species were found in disturbed habitats, including cultivated land andhuman habitations; an additional 39 species occurred in both forest and disturbed habitat. A total of 64 frog species had been described. Species richness of frogs in KSNP was 68 persen of the total number of frog species described in Sumatra mainland. These results suggest that the diversity of amphibian in KSNP is high. Zoo Indonesia Vol. 18 No. 2. 2009. P: 45-68.