Effects of land-use changes on the conservation of re-introduced toads, Nectophrynoides asperginis

Land-use and land-cover changes (LULCC) are a global threat to biodiversity conservation including endemic species such as Kihansi spray toads (KST). This study assessed the LULCC of the Kihansi catchment (KC), a potential habitat for the KST and its adjacent areas. Remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) through Landsat imagery and ground truthing were used to classify and monitor LULCC for 25 years, from 1995 to 2020. In addition, the questionnaire survey assesses the opinion of local communities on LULCC forms in the study area. Settlements and agricultural land increased by 26.23% and 3.7%, respectively, while forested land decreased by a rate of 10%-20% per year due to the human population increase. According to this study, land use has changed substantially because of agriculture and habitation. Proper land-use planning is required in this scenario to ensure the long-term protection of the reintroduced KST while also enhancing the livelihoods of nearby residents.