| Private conservation lands and sustainable agriculture play important roles in maintaining biodiversity across human-modified landscapes in Central America. We surveyed herpetofaunal assemblages and habitat characteristics of forest fragments adjacent to both sustainable and conventional farming methods in north-central Nicaragua. Amphibians and reptiles differed in their trends across the sampled land-cover types, and land-use appeared to have a stronger effect on amphibian communities. Amphibian assembly was most strongly related to ground coverage, epiphyte load, and proximity to stream. Reptile communities were most closely associated with changes in understory density, canopy coverage, and tree diameter. While further research is warranted involving a broader area and suite of taxa, this study demonstrates the potential conservation value of forest fragments adjacent to sustainable agriculture. Applied research will help to enhance management plans for private landowners helping to maintain biodiversity and build conservation networks across a region dominated by agriculture. |
