<p>
Vietnam is recognized as one of the countries with a high level of
biodiversity in the world (Conservation International 2014). In terms of
amphibian diversity (Class Amphibia), the species number recorded
from Vietnam has been rapidly increased in recent decades: from 82
species in 1996 to 162 species in 2005 and up to 176 species in 2009
and the current species number is ca. 230 (Nguyen & Ho 1996, Nguyen
et al. 2005, 2009, Frost 2017).
Karst ecosystem is considered as a natural laboratory for taxonomic,
ecological, evolutionary and biogeographical research (Clements et al.
2006). Karst forests provide a variety of distinct microhabitats like
“isolated islands” and are noted for their high levels of endemism
(Clements et al. 2006). In Vietnam, limestone forests are extensive in
the northeastern, northwestern regions and northern Truong Son Range
(Sterling et al. 2006).
However, limestone forest is a sensitive ecosystem to the human
impacts and it is very difficult to restore. Limestone in Vietnam has
been exploited for infrastructure and economic development, for
example, quarrying for road construction, and cement industry.
Moreover, the fauna in karst forests is threatened by decline because of
forest destruction, overexploitation, tourism development and climate
change, in particular, the poikilotherm like amphibians (Sterling et al.
2006).
The research entitled "Study on the diversity and distribution patterns of
amphibians (Amphibia) in karst ecosystem of the North Vietnam and
conservation measures” aims to assess the diversity of amphibians in
limestone forests of northern Vietnam with special focus on two group
complexes of anuran frogs, Limnonectes and Odorrana, in Vietnam. In
addition, recommendations for conservation measures are also provided.
</p>
