Application of Bayesian-weighted Approach on the Amphibian Diversity Monitoring: A Case Study in Huagaoxi Natural Reserve, Sichuan, China

Survey or monitoring on amphibian diversity is usually encountering the limited-sampling problem when conducting in field experiments, especially in a community with high diversity. If there are still significant differences between the monitored number and the actual total number of species, the calculated diversity indices will change from time to time with the accumulation of data, and make the indices become meaningless to reflect the changes of biodiversity in some specific areas. As a consequence, it is important to use limited data derived from restricted sampling attempts to predict and explain biodiversity as accurately as possible. An intensive amphibians monitoring was carried out from 2014 to 2018 in Huagaoxi Nature Reserve, Xuyong County, Sichuan Province. The diversity of amphibians was estimated by using Bayesian-Weighted Approach, and species richness, individuals, and diversity indices were analyzed accordingly. The results show that the total number of amphibians monitored in Huagaoxi Nature Reserve was 16, which is the same as that predicted by Bayesian-Weight Approach. There were significant monthly differences in species richness, but with no significant annual difference. The individuals of three species (Bufo gargarizans, Amolops ricketti and Quasipaa spinosa) showed significant annual differences, four species (Megophrys spinata, Odorrana graminea, Odorrana margaretae and Microhyla butleri) showed significant monthly differences. In addition, there were significant differences in Simpson Index, but no significant monthly and annual difference in Shannon-Wiener Index. It could be concluded that the minimum number for species diversity sampling should be estimated, and the count data quality should be improved. There also remains a need to solve the impacts of roadkills on amphibians.