Is there are world-wide amphibian decline or are reasons to be found at the regional to local scale? BIOTA E08 is part of a circum-Equatorial network running standardised long-term monitoring to focus on this question.

The question, whether there is or there is not a world-wide amphibian decline has been controversially discussed for over a decade now. Problems include that different potential reasons have been suggested and that there has yet not been a large-scale approach to this question.

In the framework of BIOTA E08 (based on results from the BIOTA pilot phase, 2001-2004), we are monitoring potential changes in community and population characteristics of amphibian communities (anurans only) in East Africa. This includes Kenya (Kakamega Forest, Mount Elgon) and Uganda (Budongo Forest, Mabira Forest). Moreover, in comparison with other parts of the world (currently Borneo and West Africa, see BIOTA W08), we examine (i) if amphibian diversity change takes place and (ii) if this can be understood as a global, regional or local event.

We are monitoring diversity of amphibian communities and demographic parameters within populations of selected anuran species (Hyperolius cf. cinnamomeoventris, H. viridiflavus, Kassina senegalensis, Ptychadena cf. mascareniensis, Xenopus cf. victorianus). Species have been selected based on ecological properties; they are equivalent in function to species in Borneo and West Africa (same "functional types"). We are using standard methods to evaluate community parameters (visual and acoustic encounter surveys every 14 days along 600 m long transects) and demographic population characteristics (sequential Bayes algorithm two times per year). An analysis across a disturbance gradient (i.e. disturbed areas in the Kakamega Forest to mainly undisturbed areas in Budongo Forest) will enable quantification of anthropogenic impacts on anuran communities.

During the current BIOTA main phase (2004-2007), we will transfer amphibian monitoring skills and expertise to local counterparts in both Kenya and Uganda: local scientists and field assistants will be trained in the field.