Herpetofaunal Diversity in Fragmented Forest Habitats of Ondo State, South West Nigeria

This study assesses the diversity and distribution of reptiles and amphibians in fragmented forest habitats in Ondo State, located in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone. Forest fragmentation is a major driver of herpetofaunal loss across West Africa, and documenting current diversity across different fragment sizes is critical for conservation planning. Using a descriptive survey design, visual encounter surveys, pitfall traps, and coverboard arrays were deployed at 12 forest fragment sites of varying sizes over four months. Species were identified morphologically, and diversity indices were computed. Habitat variables including canopy cover, humidity, fragment size, and proximity to human settlements were measured and related to species occurrence. A total of 31 herpetofaunal species were recorded, comprising 19 reptile and 12 amphibian species. Agama agama, Mabuya maculilabris, and Hoplobatrachus occipitalis were the most frequently encountered species. Species richness increased significantly with forest fragment size, and larger fragments retained more forest-interior specialist species. Edge-adapted generalist species dominated small fragments. Amphibian diversity was strongly correlated with proximity to standing water and canopy cover. The common toad Amietophrynus regularis was the most ubiquitous amphibian species and was present even in heavily disturbed sites. The study recommends the prioritisation of large remnant forest patches for protection and the creation of vegetated corridors between fragments to enhance herpetofaunal movement and population viability. Keywords: herpetofauna, forest fragmentation, species diversity, Ondo State, reptiles.