摘要：Anurans or frogs and toads have high endemism in the Philippines but their presence is threatened due to
continuous habitat loss. This study was conducted to determine the species richness and endemism of anurans
in four Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites in Mindanao, namely: Mts. Apo, Kitanglad,
Hamiguitan and Malindang. Twelve randomly selected 20mx20m plots inside the 1-hectare plot were surveyed.
Forest floor, leaf litter, fern fronds, tree branches, leaves, trunks, soil, and holes were surveyed extensively
for occurrence of anurans. Eighteen species of anurans were documented in four LTER sites with
eight species (44%) endemic. Among the four LTER sites, Mt. Malindang had the highest species richness
(n=11) with six endemic species while Mt. Apo showed the least richness (n=5). Both Mts. Kitanglad and
Apo had the least number of endemic species (n=4). Five species such as the Mindanao endemic Ansonia
muelleri, Philautus acutirostris, and P. poecilius and the Philippine endemic Megophrys stejnegeri and
Oreophryne anulata are of vulnerable conservation status. Results indicate the need for strengthened conservation
efforts on anurans and habitats in Mindanao LTER sites.
