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Conservation of a Neotropical Herpetofauna: An Introduction to the Crisis of Amphibians and Reptiles in Central America and Beyond

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Central American Biodiversity

Abstract

It is fairly well known that, as a whole, biodiversity increases from either pole towards the equator. Accordingly, tropical Central America is home to a disproportionately high number of species (especially considering its surface area). The previous two chapters have outlined such diversity for amphibians and reptiles. Apart from deforestation, however, the conservation struggles faced by tropical areas are less well known. Highly industrialized nations such as the USA and those in Western Europe are widely recognized as suffering from biodiversity loss. They are also, by and large, believed to be endowed with the means and knowledge to combat such loss effectively, as well as to make the issues known to a reasonably sympathetic (and global) public. Developing tropical areas, on the other hand, have conservation dilemmas of their own, many of which are poorly understood and difficult to mitigate. Additionally, poverty is currently more prevalent among these tropical nations; their inhabitants are often (out of necessity) more concerned with making a living for themselves and their families than with biodiversity. The plight of amphibians and reptiles is rarely given due consideration. This chapter introduces four topics in the conservation of Central America’s herpetofauna. First, the status of these animals is briefly examined. Next, the threats they face (some of which are unique to the area, others are more indicative of a wider global phenomenon) are explored. Then the importance of amphibians and reptiles is explained. Lastly, management practices and suggestions are discussed for neotropical herpetofauna.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, 33255, Miami, FL, USA

    Mark Spangler

Authors
  1. Mark Spangler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark Spangler .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Biology & Wildlife, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

    Falk Huettmann

Appendices

Appendix 1

The best-known and most complete list of amphibian and reptile species at the Ometepe field site and surrounding areas

Table 3
Full size table

Appendix 2

The best-known and most complete list of amphibian and reptile species at the La Suerte field site and surrounding areas

Table 4
Full size table

Appendix 3

Distribution of species encountered during a herpetofaunal survey of the Ometepe Field Station

figure a

Appendix 4

Distribution of species encountered during a herpetofaunal survey of the La Suerte Field Station

figure b
figure c
figure d

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Spangler, M. (2015). Conservation of a Neotropical Herpetofauna: An Introduction to the Crisis of Amphibians and Reptiles in Central America and Beyond. In: Huettmann, F. (eds) Central American Biodiversity. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2208-6_14

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