Lurking in the leaves: How large native trees and leaf litter promote amphibian diversity in Malagasy agroforests

Abstract Expanding shifting cultivation drives deforestation and biodiversity loss in many tropical regions. Agroforestry is promoted as a sustainable alternative balancing human needs and conservation. However, its effectiveness for amphibians remains understudied, especially in Madagascar, where old‐growth forests decline rapidly and amphibian endemism is high. We employed time‐standardized diurnal and nocturnal visual encounter surveys and habitat assessments in 81 plots across a mosaic of old‐growth forests and agroforests under various management practices in north‐eastern Madagascar. We compared amphibian species richness, encounters and community composition between old‐growth forests and agroforests and analysed how agroforest management practices influenced amphibian assemblages. We recorded 54 amphibian species, including 10 potentially new to science. Old‐growth forests exhibited 34.8% higher species richness and 48.4% more encounters compared to agroforests, with distinct species composition despite some overlap. Thick leaf litter in agroforests positively influenced amphibian encounters, while higher overstorey tree density increased compositional similarity to old‐growth forests. However, this similarity declined with increasing time since conversion. Synthesis and applications. While old‐growth forests are irreplaceable for conserving Madagascar's endemic amphibian diversity, agroforests can also support amphibian populations, especially if management enhances habitat complexity through increased leaf litter and the presence of large native trees. Promoting these biodiversity‐friendly practices in agroforests can create critical habitats without additional forest conversion. Sustainability certification, economic incentives and targeted farmer training could facilitate the adoption of such management practices, aligning amphibian conservation with agricultural goals.