Amphibian Diversity as an Indicator of Ecosystem Maturity: Comparative Studies in Five Different Ecological Seral Stages at the Belipola Analog Forest, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Forest degradation threatens their habitats, but analog forestry an ecosystem restoration method can both restore habitats and provide economic benefits while conserving amphibians and other biodiversity. This study explores amphibian diversity across five seral stages in the Belipola Arboretum, the first analog forest in Sri Lanka. Stratification and canopy cover were assessed using a physiognomic formula. The study was conducted across five distinct seral stages, encompassing early, mid, and late seral stages of ecological succession. Using the Visual Encounter Survey method, 120 amphibians from 13 species across four families were recorded. Data analysis with SAS tools showed that 85% of species were endemic, and 54% were threatened (Critically Dejan De Zoysa Earthrestoration (PVT) ltd Sri Lanka erestoration.pvt.lt d@gmail.com M.K.L.Chandana Earthrestoration (PVT) ltd Sri Lanka chandanamkl93@ gmail.com considered bioindicators of environmental health because they are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat quality. Therefore, monitoring amphibian populations can provide early warnings of environmental degradation [1]. Understanding the relationships between amphibians and habitat quality is crucial for effective conservation and management of ecosystems. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting amphibian habitats can have broader benefits for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem functioning, and human well-being [2]. Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in biodiversity between the early stages (p-values: first vs. second = 0.1478, second vs. third = 0.0678, third vs. fourth = 0.2055, fourth vs. fifth = 0.0609). However, significant differences were found between other stages. The highest Shannon-Wiener index, indicating greater biodiversity, was in the fifth seral stage (1.82), followed by the fourth (1.31), third (0.98), second (0.49), and first (0.11) stages. These results show that amphibian biodiversity increases significantly after the second seral stage, with habitat quality improving as succession progresses. This suggests that analog forestry, which mimics natural forest structures, enhances habitat quality and supports biodiversity conservation. As ecological succession advances, habitat quality for threatened amphibians improves, highlighting the value of maintaining and restoring diverse ecosystems. The study supports analog forestry as an effective approach for prom