Tropical regions are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on the astonishing richness of herpetofauna, encompassing amphibians and non-avian reptiles. These ecosystems are often referred to as "megadiverse," as they contain an unparalleled species diversity and unique ecological niches. Despite their ecological significance, these regions have received increasing recognition of their vulnerability to environmental change, and our understanding of tropical herpetofauna remains incomplete. This special issue aims
to address this knowledge gap by shedding light on a pivotal facet of tropical herpetofauna research: the crucial role of community engagement in uncovering tropical diversity. By blending the insights derived from the enthusiastic involvement of local communities to reveal cryptic diversity and improve our understanding of species distribution patterns in ecosystems, this special issue seeks to enhance our comprehension of tropical megadiverse herpetofauna, ultimately contributing to their conservation and the preservation of these irreplaceable ecosystems.
The goals of this Research Topic are as follows:
1. Harness Citizen Science: Showcase successful models of community
engagement and participation in data collection, emphasizing the role of local knowledge and indigenous communities in gathering crucial data on herpetofauna to advance our understanding of their distribution, behavior, and conservation needs. These collaborations empower citizens to become active contributors to scientific research, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and traditional knowledge.
2. Uncover the Hidden Diversity: Explore and document previously
undiscovered or overlooked species within tropical herpetofauna. By
integrating local communities in the data collection process (e.g. collection of environmental DNA allowed by more recent advances in DNA barcoding and molecular techniques; the use of camera-trapping by environmental NGOs and Protected areas rangers), we aim to reveal cryptic diversity and improve our understanding of species distribution patterns in ecosystems. This enhanced understanding is pivotal for effective conservation, as it aids in developing more targeted strategies to protect and sustain these often fragile and unique species.
This Research Topic seeks to be a catalyst for bridging the knowledge gap
surrounding tropical herpetofauna by highlighting the synergistic relationship between community engagement and biodiversity research. It aims to inspire further research, conservation efforts, and collaboration in the study of these remarkable yet vulnerable species. By bringing together the latest research and insights in the field, this special issue aims to advance our understanding of tropical megadiverse herpetofauna and contribute to their conservation. It also seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts and stakeholders engaged in the study and protection of these unique ecosystems. We cordially invite researchers, scientists, and practitioners from diverse fields, encompassing biology, ecology, conservation, anthropology, and technology, to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that align with the goals and scope of this special issue. Contributions should showcase recent advancements, innovative methodologies, and thriving community engagement initiatives related to tropical herpetofauna.
Keywords:
Amphibians, Non-Avian Reptiles, Citizen Science, Passive Monitoring, Conservation
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Tropical regions are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on the astonishing richness of herpetofauna, encompassing amphibians and non-avian reptiles. These ecosystems are often referred to as "megadiverse," as they contain an unparalleled species diversity and unique ecological niches. Despite their ecological significance, these regions have received increasing recognition of their vulnerability to environmental change, and our understanding of tropical herpetofauna remains incomplete. This special issue aims
to address this knowledge gap by shedding light on a pivotal facet of tropical herpetofauna research: the crucial role of community engagement in uncovering tropical diversity. By blending the insights derived from the enthusiastic involvement of local communities to reveal cryptic diversity and improve our understanding of species distribution patterns in ecosystems, this special issue seeks to enhance our comprehension of tropical megadiverse herpetofauna, ultimately contributing to their conservation and the preservation of these irreplaceable ecosystems.
The goals of this Research Topic are as follows:
1. Harness Citizen Science: Showcase successful models of community
engagement and participation in data collection, emphasizing the role of local knowledge and indigenous communities in gathering crucial data on herpetofauna to advance our understanding of their distribution, behavior, and conservation needs. These collaborations empower citizens to become active contributors to scientific research, bridging the gap between scientific expertise and traditional knowledge.
2. Uncover the Hidden Diversity: Explore and document previously
undiscovered or overlooked species within tropical herpetofauna. By
integrating local communities in the data collection process (e.g. collection of environmental DNA allowed by more recent advances in DNA barcoding and molecular techniques; the use of camera-trapping by environmental NGOs and Protected areas rangers), we aim to reveal cryptic diversity and improve our understanding of species distribution patterns in ecosystems. This enhanced understanding is pivotal for effective conservation, as it aids in developing more targeted strategies to protect and sustain these often fragile and unique species.
This Research Topic seeks to be a catalyst for bridging the knowledge gap
surrounding tropical herpetofauna by highlighting the synergistic relationship between community engagement and biodiversity research. It aims to inspire further research, conservation efforts, and collaboration in the study of these remarkable yet vulnerable species. By bringing together the latest research and insights in the field, this special issue aims to advance our understanding of tropical megadiverse herpetofauna and contribute to their conservation. It also seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts and stakeholders engaged in the study and protection of these unique ecosystems. We cordially invite researchers, scientists, and practitioners from diverse fields, encompassing biology, ecology, conservation, anthropology, and technology, to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that align with the goals and scope of this special issue. Contributions should showcase recent advancements, innovative methodologies, and thriving community engagement initiatives related to tropical herpetofauna.
Keywords:
Amphibians, Non-Avian Reptiles, Citizen Science, Passive Monitoring, Conservation
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.