Diversity patterns of herpetofauna communities along a habitat alteration gradient in an Afrotropical large wetland – a test of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

What is it about?

We studied the amphibian and reptile communities in Rufuuha wetland, which had been heavily degraded due to local community activities, such as agriculture and cattle grazing, before restoration efforts began in 2015. We found significant differences in species richness and diversity between the three areas. While species richness was similar across the areas, diversity and evenness were highest in the intact sector, followed by the restored and degraded areas.

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