Vietnam is recognized as one of the countries with a high level of biodiversity in the world (Conservation International 2014). In terms of amphibian diversity (Class Amphibia), the species number recorded from Vietnam has been rapidly increased in recent decades: from 82 species in 1996 to 162 species in 2005 and up to 176 species in 2009 and the current species number is ca. 230 (Nguyen & Ho 1996, Nguyen et al. 2005, 2009, Frost 2017). Karst ecosystem is considered as a natural laboratory for taxonomic, ecological, evolutionary and biogeographical research (Clements et al. 2006). Karst forests provide a variety of distinct microhabitats like “isolated islands” and are noted for their high levels of endemism (Clements et al. 2006). In Vietnam, limestone forests are extensive in the northeastern, northwestern regions and northern Truong Son Range (Sterling et al. 2006). However, limestone forest is a sensitive ecosystem to the human impacts and it is very difficult to restore. Limestone in Vietnam has been exploited for infrastructure and economic development, for example, quarrying for road construction, and cement industry. Moreover, the fauna in karst forests is threatened by decline because of forest destruction, overexploitation, tourism development and climate change, in particular, the poikilotherm like amphibians (Sterling et al. 2006). The research entitled “Study on the diversity and distribution patterns of amphibians (Amphibia) in karst ecosystem of the North Vietnam and conservation measures” aims to assess the diversity of amphibians in limestone forests of northern Vietnam with special focus on two group complexes of anuran frogs, Limnonectes and Odorrana, in Vietnam. In addition, recommendations for conservation measures are also provided.