Are Ethiopian highlands changing? : amphibians as ecosystem indicators

Mountain ecosystems have recently received considerable interest based on theunderstanding that climate change might have particularly serious irreversible impacts onphysical and biological systems in these habitats. Land use changes also continue to have adevastating impact on mountain habitats. Quantitative data are being gathered across theglobe to measure changes and evaluate the most appropriate mitigating and adaptivestrategies. For Africa, few quantitative studies exist whereby conclusions can be firmlyestablished, and this means that a fresh focus on the region is required. We outline a currentproject in Ethiopia that aims to establish a foundation for understanding changes to uplandecosystems using amphibians as indicators.