Amphibians in the Brazilian Cerrado: diversity, research effort and conservation

Abstract

In order to investigate the relationship among amphibian diversity, research effort and conservation status across the Brazilian Cerrado, we carried out a scientometric analysis. Scientific publications were searched in international databases, totaling 72 studies, with 177 taxa recorded. Most studies occurred in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the country, followed by Northeast and North. The first two regions summed almost all taxa; controlling for sampling effort, however, northern regions appeared more diverse. Moreover, northern regions still preserve much of the original vegetation, while savanna in Southeast and Midwest regions has been significantly suppressed. These differences indicate particular geographical needs: immediate conservation efforts to protect diversity and restore savannas in Southeast and Midwest regions; and basic research effort (inventory) to uncover biodiversity in northern Cerrado areas.