Destruction of watershed forests beyond trees: effects of anthropogenic disturbance on forest herpetofauna of Cherangani hills forest

Abstract

Human driven disturbance of forests has been well documented in many forests including the Kenyan water towers. Most attention on this disturbance has however been limited to vegetation, given that the effects to other forms of biodiversity inhabiting these forests have either been poorly documented or too generalized. Given that groups of biodiversity respond differently to disturbance, such generalizations can misguide conservation. The present study determined the relationship between herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and the agents of disturbance in Cherangani Hills Forest. Time-limited searches and pitfall traps were used to sample herpetofauna in forest, wetland, farmland, glade, rocks and scrubland alongside agents of disturbance (logging, grazing, invasive plants, and charcoal burning). Species richness and diversity were determined and the differences in the means compared. Distribution of  the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and threats were computed in Excel. The relationship between the threats and species diversity and richness was determined through regression. There was a significant difference between herpetofaunal diversity and at least three agents of disturbance in each habitat type. However, no relationship was found between the agents of disturbance and herpetofaunal richness (R²=0.186). There was  a positive relationship between threats and herpetofaunal diversity (R²=0.5808). This study indicates the need for timely protection of forests because of the influence they have on the other nested habitats making them suitable for other species. This should be done before the effects of destruction pose further threats to the species.