An acoustic occupancy framework to inform conservation of a Data Deficient amphibian

Knowledge of a species’ distribution and habitat relationships is important in guiding conservation strategies yet is lacking for many species. In this study, we set out to integrate passive acoustic monitoring with occupancy modelling to evaluate site occupancy of Pristimantis turpinorum, an anuran classified as Data Deficient, to guide conservation efforts for it and the globally important conservation area it occupies. We also set out to determine whether the distribution of a non-native frog, Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, a potential competitor and threat, overlaps with P. turpinorum. We deployed audio recorders at 24 sites across the Caribbean island of Tobago during four months in 2024. Based on our single season occupancy models, we found that detection probability of P. turpinorum was primarily influenced by recording hour, while high elevation (>390 masl), and close proximity of streams increased site occupancy probability. Based on positive acoustic detections of P. turpinorum, its extent of occurrence was estimated to be 7.81 km2. Our sampling did not detect E. johnstonei at any of our sites. Our findings demonstrate the applicability of these techniques to inform conservation of a Data Deficient species by gathering information on distribution and habitat relationships and the status of a potential threat.