Multivariate analysis of Ecuadorian provinces and protected areas based on the presence of poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) and some insights for their conservation

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Published: Feb 28, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17163/lgr.n41.2025.02
Keywords:
Poison dart frogs, Dendrobatidae, multivariate analysis, biodiversity, Ecuadorian provinces, Ecuadorian protected areas

Main Article Content

Patricio Yanez-Moretta
Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Yachay: Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Urcuquí, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4436-7632
Julio Gereda-García
Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Yachay: Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Urcuquí, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5065-3542
Alexander Huaraca-Egas
Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Yachay: Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Urcuquí, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4439-6380
Michael Baldeón-Morales
Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Yachay: Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Urcuquí, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2705-723X
Darwin Quinteros-Sarmiento
Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Yachay: Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas e Ingeniería, Urcuquí, Ecuador.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6137-2981

Abstract

Understanding the distribution patterns of species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies, particularly in regions with high biodiversity and endemism like Ecuador. Amphibians, especially poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae), serve as important bioindicators of environmental health, yet they face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and other anthropogenic factors. This study examines the distribution patterns of poison dart frog species across various provinces and protected areas in Ecuador, utilizing an updated database containing 48 species, 32 of which are endemic to the country. Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to compare provinces and protected areas based on species richness, effectively identifying regions with higher and lower poison dart frog species presence. Additionally, ecological factors and the influence of protected areas on the distribution of these frogs are discussed. The findings reveal regions of high species richness, underscore the potential effects of environmental changes on poison dart frog communities, and highlight the crucial role of protected areas in safeguarding biodiversity. This study underscores the importance of integrating these analyses into conservation planning and decision-making processes, aiming to protect poison dart frogs and their habitats. By addressing these challenges, this research contributes complementary perspectives into preserving Ecuador’s unique amphibian diversity.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 41 No. 1 (2025): (March 2025-August 2025)
Section
Scientific Article
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

 Universidad Politécnica Salesiana of Ecuador preserves the copyrights of the published works and will favor the reuse of the works. The works are published in the electronic edition of the journal under a Creative Commons Attribution/Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Ecuador license: works can be copied, used, disseminated, transmitted and publicly displayed.

The undersigned author partially transfers the copyrights of this work to Universidad Politécnica Salesiana of Ecuador for the printed edition.

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