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We revise the systematics of the ranid frogs of the genus Hylarana occurring on Halmahera Island, Northern Moluccas of eastern Indonesia based on molecular and morphological data. Our results show that two distinct species each being nested within two distinct clades (hereafter papua clade and celebensis clade) exist on the island. One corresponds to H. moluccana (celebensis clade) and the other one to an unnamed species (papua clade) that we describe herein. The new species is genetically distinct from all congeners of the papua clade by p distances ranging from 6.9% to 11.5% on the 16S rRNA gene. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from all congeners by having the following combination of characteristics: A large species with adult males reaching a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) 67.3 mm; vomerine teeth in two oblique rows with narrow interodontophore distance; snout rounded dorsally; dorsum with few scattered cone-shaped tubercles that are black with white tips; distinct skin folds (ridges) on the dorsal side of the thigh coinciding with dark brown cross bars; a marbled pattern on the ventral side of thigh and yellowish groin. Here we provide a redescription for H. moluccana based on its lectotype from Ternate. We also provide new occurrence records for H. daemeli, H. volkerjane, and H. arfaki from the western part of mainland Papua. Furthermore, we demonstrated that H. celebensis harbors multiple mtDNA lineages suggestive of cryptic diversity within the celebensis clade. The occurrence of two distinct species from Halmahera calls for further research on the biogeographic history of Hylarana in Northern Moluccas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The casque-headed lophyohyline genus Nyctimantis is widespread in South America, being composed of seven species. A recent molecular and morphological review of the genus found some undescribed species, one of which, from the Brazilian Cerrado, is described in this paper. It is distinguished by its relatively small to medium size, skull without expanded maxillae, paired vocal sacs, toe I without webbing, dark-brown dorsal coloration without longitudinal stripes, and dark-red to brown iris. The new species is the only in the genus occurring in the Brazilian Cerrado, inhabiting swampy forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calls are the most conspicuous form of communication in anurans. They are generally species specific, mediate mating behavior and, as such, are often emitted during the breeding season. The calls of Thoropa, an endemic genus to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Campo Rupestre, are known from the type localities of six valid species. However, recent molecular analyses revealed a greater number of molecular lineages within the T. miliaris species group than previously recognized. Here we aimed to investigate the advertisement calls of 12 individuals of T. miliaris and 5 individuals of T. taophora. Whenever possible, these were assigned to the recognized molecular lineages through Sanger sequences of the final portion of the 16S ribosomal mitochondrial gene. The sampled individuals are from different localities and associated with different lineages. We conducted the acoustic characterization based on 15 (T. miliaris) and 11 (T. taophora) recordings. We identified three types of calls: Type 1 and Type 2 calls of T. miliaris, and a third call type, exclusive to T. taophora. Type 1 of T. miliaris is usually formed by an introductory and a long note, followed by a more frequently emitted (i.e., common) note. Type 2 of T. miliaris is composed of an introductory note, followed by a long note, and followed by relatively high and low amplitude alternated notes. The call of T. taophora is formed by a peculiar note, with low and high relative amplitude portions on the same note. It is worth noting that syntopic lineages exhibit similar calls. Also, recorded calls from far localities of the same lineages are similar. This study is the first to analyze calls of different lineages and populations T. miliaris and T. taophora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Aplastodiscus (Hylidae) is widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and adjacent Argentina, and a single species inhabits the Cerrado in Central Brazil. The genus comprises 16 species included in 4 species groups. The A. albosignatus species group contains 6 described species, as well as two candidate species referred to as Aplastodiscus sp. 5 and Aplastodiscus sp. 6 in previous studies. Here we name and describe Aplastodiscus sp. 6, based on morphology, DNA sequences, and vocalizations. The new species is known only from the northern sector of the Mantiqueira Mountain Range and can be distinguished morphologically from most congeneric species based on body size, iris color pattern, and cloacal ornamentation. The new species is distinguished from its sister species A. leucopygius by its vocalization. The species of the A. albosignatus group share a conserved external morphology and most of the morphological characters traditionally included in their diagnoses failed to distinguish them. In contrast, advertisement call traits, such as call duration, call envelope, and distribution of sound energy in the harmonic series, were informative in Aplastodiscus species discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bromeligenous genus Crossodactylodes, endemic to the Atlantic Forest domain and the "campo rupestre" ecosystem in Brazil, currently comprises five named species. Three additional putatively new species have already been proposed in a recent study based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Here we employ phenotypic data to corroborate the distinctiveness of one of these lineages, and describe it as a new species, from the Espinhaço Mountain Range in the municipality of Itamarandiba, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. We also provide information on its natural history and conservation status. The new species is diagnosable from its congeners by a combination of characters, including the presence of vocal slits in adult males, the orange coloration of discs on fingers and toes, and the presence of vomerine odontophores. The new species is the second Crossodactylodes to be reported for the campo rupestre and it was only recorded in a small forest patch composed of low trees, shrubs, mosses, lichens, and a high density of bromeliads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We described a new species of Dendrophryniscus from the Mantiqueira Mountains, a mountain range in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Dendrophryniscus cuca sp. nov. is known only from its type locality, the private Protected Area Chapada͂o da Serra Negra, municipality of Santa Bárbara do Monte Verde. The new species is morphologically distinguished from its congeners mainly by the combination of the following characters: medium size for the genus, longitudinal set of granules posterior to the corner of mouth, fingers neither fringed nor webbed, and presence of nuptial pads in males. Molecular analysis of the 16S mitochondrial DNA indicates a genetic distance range from 2.39% (D. brevipollicatus) to 17.92% (D. carvalhoi). Individuals were found in bromeliads, and we described a male–male amplexus with the presence of release vibrations, but calling activity was not observed. This is the fourth endemic anuran species of the Serra Negra da Mantiqueira, part of the Mantiqueira mountain range (Serra Negra da Mantiqueira), highlighting the importance of the region for the Neotropical herpetofauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyloxalus edwardsi and H. ruizi are high-Andean dendrobatid frogs that inhabit the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia. Both species were placed in the H. edwardsi group on the basis of the synapomorphic presence of an elongate cloacal sheath and the absence of a tarsal keel and vocal slits. The group was originally placed in Colostethus sensu lato and was subsequently transferred to Hyloxalus; however, no species of the group were included in previous phylogenetic analyses. Both species are critically endangered, and recent expeditions to their type localities have yielded no additional specimens. Nevertheless, on the western flank of the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, we discovered a population possessing the elongate cloacal sheath but with other morphological character states that differentiate it from the previously known species. On the basis of this new material and examination of H. edwardsi, H. ruizi, and other Andean dendrobatids, we describe this population as a new species and test the phylogenetic position of this group. Our results corroborate the placement of this group within Hyloxalus, specifically as sister to H. picachos, thereby refuting the monophyly of the recently proposed H. subpunctatus clade. We also identify several new putative morphological synapomorphies of the H. edwardsi group related to the extrinsic cloacal musculature and the subarticular tubercles of the hand. Although the cloacal sheath character is still taxonomically useful, given the inherent difficulty in scoring it unambiguously on the basis of external morphology, we deprecate it for phylogenetic analysis in favor of the internal morphological characters. Hyloxalus edwardsi e H. ruizi son dos dendrobátidos altoandinos que habitan la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia. Ambas especies hacen parte del grupo monofilético Hyloxalus edwardsi, puesto que comparten la presencia sinapomórfica de la proyección cloacal (o embudo cloacal, tubo cloacal), la ausencia de la quilla del tarso y de hendiduras vocales. Este grupo de especies fue ubicado dentro del género Colostethus sensu lato, y posteriormente fue transferido a Hyloxalus; sin embargo, ninguna de estas dos especies fue incluida en análisis filogenéticos anteriores. Ambas especies están en peligro crítico y en salidas de campo recientes a las localidades tipo no se encontraron registros adicionales. No obstante, sobre la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera Oriental de Colombia, descubrimos una población que presenta proyección cloacal y una quilla del tarso débil, pero con características morfológicas que diferencian esta población de las otras dos especies descritas del grupo H. edwardsi. Con base en este material y la revisión de H. edwardsi, H. ruizi, y de otros dendrobátidos de los Andes, describimos esta población como nueva especie, revisamos la proyección cloacal, reportamos la presencia de tubérculos hiperdistales en el dedo manual IV and V (nueva sinapomorfia putativa para el grupo H. edwardsi), y evaluamos la posición filogenética de este grupo por medio de la nueva especie. Los resultados corroboran que este grupo es parte de Hyloxalus, puesto que es la especie hermana de H. picachos, y también se refuta la monofilia del clado H. subpunctatus la cual fue recientemente propuesta. Además, también identificamos nuevos caracteres morfológicos, como por ejemplo series de transformaciones en la musculatura extrínseca de la cloaca y en los tubérculos subarticulares de los dedos manuales. A pesar que la "proyección cloacal" aún tiene utilidad taxonómica, este carácter es rechazado en inferencia filogenética, debido a su dificultad inherente para codificar sin ambigüedad a partir de la morfología externa y favorecemos sobre este los caracteres de morfología interna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of pumpkin toadlets are currently recognized by the extreme condition of hyperossification in the skull and vertebral column within the genus Brachycephalus. In addition to their larger body size, relative to other congeneric species, Brachycephalus darkside, Brachycephalus ephippium, Brachycephalus garbeanus, and Brachycephalus margaritatus share remarkable osteological features, such as the large paravertebral plates forming an ornamented dorsal bone shield, visible through the integument. We add to the current knowledge of this group by analyzing its diversity and describing a new hyperossified species from some important Atlantic Forest remnants in southeastern Brazil, including those bordering São Paulo, the largest and most populous city in South America. The new species is diagnosed by a combination of morphological, osteological, and bioacoustic characters, with further evidence of mtDNA sequences to confirm its distinction from the other congeners. The parotic and paravertebral bone plates externally bordered with a rough and pale contour can readily distinguish the new species from the other hyperossified species within Brachycephalus. The new species is widely distributed along the Serra do Mar mountain range, including the regionally named Serra de Paranapiacaba, in elevations from 700 to 1000 m above sea level (a.s.l.), in the central coast of the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. We discuss valuable morphological characters within this group of species, reinforce the need for further studies, and highlight the relevance of protected areas for biodiversity conservation in metropolitan regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species in the Adelophryne genus consist of diminutive, agile, and secretive frogs that inhabit forest leaf litter and have direct development. Species richness within Adelophryne was previously underestimated, and several new species have recently been described. Here, we describe a new species of Adelophryne from the Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, and Paraíba. The new species is characterized by its small body size, small and distinct tympanum, toes with subarticular tubercles, fingers mucronate, three phalanges in the Finger IV, and an advertisement call composed of one single pulsed note with a high dominant frequency. The new species is phylogenetically related to other Adelophryne species of the Northern Atlantic Forest Clade and is endemic to the "Pernambuco Endemism Center" in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrative analyses, long-term studies, and access to remote areas in Amazonia have led to new hypotheses and increased resolution of the systematics and taxonomy of the small nurse frog genus Allobates (family Aromobatidae). During anuran sampling in the Middle Tapajós River region, state of Pará, Brazil, we collected data on a new cryptically colored species of Allobates with a cricket-like advertisement call. Here, we name and describe this new species, following an integration of phenotypic, ecological, and molecular analyses. The results of a phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA placed the new species as the sister taxon of Allobates grillisimilis. Genetic pdistances between the two sister taxa at the 16S region of the mitochondrial DNA ranged from 7% to 9%. A sister-species relationship between the new species and A. grillisimilis is also supported by phenotypic evidence. Adults of the new species are small (snout–vent length 15.2–16.8 mm in males and 16.5–17.7 mm in females), with a dorsum uniformly tan to reddish brown, a dark brown lateral stripe and a white ventrolateral stripe, arms pale tan brown and legs greyish-brown, and venter yellowish colored, with variable extension and shades of yellow, paler on the throat. The advertisement call is a trill with a mean peak frequency of 5830.2 Hz, arranged in series of short, closely spaced, pulses (mean of 24.3 pulses/s), and followed by silent intervals of variable duration. We discuss the putative drivers generating and maintaining the distinctiveness between the new species and the allopatrically distributed sister taxon, and on threats to the persistence of the new species. With this species description, the Middle Tapajós River region is consolidated as having one of the highest alpha diversities for the genus Allobates in Amazonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Serranía de los Paraguas is a mountainous region situated in the central part of the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. It rises some 2500 m above the wet forest and supports a high concentration of species richness and endemism for plants and terrestrial vertebrates (amphibians, birds, and mammals). In the case of amphibians, 61 named species occurring in The Serranía de los Paraguas are recognized in the literature, which are mostly the works of J.D. Lynch and P. Ruíz-Carranza in the 1990s. During a 9-d survey in the wet season (19–27 July 2019) on the Reserva Natural Comunitaria Cerro El Inglés (one of the hills of the Serranía de los Paraguas) on the frontier between Chocó and Valle del Cauca departments, we discovered two new species of the genus Pristimantis. Both species share a divided palmar tubercle as well as a distinctive color pattern on the groin, of which both are distinctive within Pristimantis. The first new species is distinguished by its small size and having a distinctive carmine red color pattern on groin, uniform lateral fringes on fingers (no crenulated), palmar tubercle deeply bifid (or divided), advertisement call composed of a short single note distinctly pulsed, and absence of nuptial pads as well as hyperdistal tubercles, inner tarsal tubercle and fold, and partial fusion of Toe IV and V. The second new species is distinguished by having dermal ridges on scapular region, conical tubercle on upper eyelid and heel, palmar tubercle divided, differentiated tympanic membrane, males with vocal slits, orange spots on groin, advertisement call composed of distinctly pulsed 6–8 notes, and absence of dorsolateral folds as well as cranial crest, hyperdistal tubercles, and toe webbing. Considering these new species, the number of amphibians inhabiting the Serranía de los Paraguas has increased to 63 species. It is important to point out that within this outstanding species richness of amphibians, there are 10 endemic species and 17 threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List (7 Critically Endangered, 5 Endangered, and 5 Vulnerable). Likewise, it is noteworthy that 29 terraranan species can be found in the Reserva Natural Comunitaria Cerro El Inglés. Thus, based on the species richness, endemism, diversity at higher taxonomic levels, and the number of threatened species, it seems reasonable to say that the Serranía de los Paraguas is a priority site for conservation of amphibians in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Corythomantis was monotypic for over 100 yr, encompassing only the species C. greeningi. In 2012, a second species, C. galeata, was described, but this species was recently reassigned to Nyctimantis, rendering Corythomantis once again monotypic. The geographic distribution of C. greeningi covers the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes from northeast Brazil, with a western limit in Tocantins state and a southern limit in Minas Gerais state. Here we demonstrate the existence of a second species of Corythomantis through molecular, acoustic, and morphological data. The new species differs in morphology from C. greeningi in head shape and tibia coloration. The new species has an advertisement call with shorter duration, higher pulse rate, and different acoustic structure. Mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) data show a genetic divergence from C. greeningi of 2.88% in the 16S ribosomal DNA gene and 14.06% in the cytochrome oxidase I gene. The geographic distribution of the new species is restricted to the Espinhaço Mountain Range at elevations from 315 to 930 m above sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general pattern of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in amphibians is characterized by females being larger than males. However, the reverse pattern, a male-biased SSD, may be widespread within some particular groups, as seems to be the case for the Neotropical treefrog genus Bokermannohyla. Although SSD is commonly associated with factors influential to breeding success, the evolutionary determinants of SSD remain controversial. Thus, the study of SSD, particularly on lesser-known species, remains critical to advance our understanding of the evolution of body size and other traits associated with the reproductive biology of amphibians. Herein, we examined the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in body size and other morphometric attributes in Bokermannohyla alvarengai and provided a detailed account of its reproductive biology. This species is endemic to a threatened habitat, occurs at low densities, and has a poorly documented natural history. We found that, at maturity, males of B. alvarengai were larger than females, with hypertrophied forelimbs and larger prepollex spines. This set of features, common to other Bokermannohyla species, is often attributed to the occurrence of male territorial defense and aggression between males. We found that B. alvarengai has a prolonged breeding season that extends from the middle of the dry season to the middle of the rainy season. Adult males did not form breeding aggregations and seemed to establish and defend territories; these males often had skin scars indicative of male–male combat. However, alternative interpretations for differences in body size and secondary sexual characters cannot be ruled out and are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Adenomera from southwestern Amazonia. The new species corresponds to one of the acoustic patterns and morphotypes from Tambopata National Reserve (Adenomera "Forest Call II"), which was associated with the candidate species identified via molecular data as Adenomera sp. C in the phylogeny of the genus. The new species is distinguished from all congeners, except A. phonotriccus, by a unique advertisement call: calls are composed of complete pulses, i.e., separated by silent gaps, whereas those of remaining Adenomera species are composed of incomplete pulses (partly fused) or nonpulsed calls. The new species occurs in southeastern Peru and north central Bolivia, with two sympatric records with A. chicomendesi. The taxonomic status of two candidate species (sp. D and sp. T) of the A. andreae clade in southwestern Amazonia still needs to be addressed by the acquisition of additional phenotypic and molecular data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Atelognathus is composed of five species that occur in the southernmost regions of Argentina and Chile. It belongs to the Batrachylidae, one of the few endemic anuran families from Patagonia. More than 50 yr ago, it was concluded that A. reverberii had a diploid chromosomal complement of 2N = 26, a feature later reported for other congenerics. In this work, we describe the cytogenetics of all known species of Atelognathus (A. nitoi, A. patagonicus, A. praebasalticus, A. reverberii, and A. solitarius) and two additional undetermined populations. Unexpectedly, our analyses showed that all have a diploid chromosomal complement 2N = 24, which contrasts with conclusions of previous studies. We conclude that a karyotype of 2N = 24 is shared in Atelognathus as a derived condition within Batrachylidae. Additionally, we describe and discuss other cytogenetics characters (i.e., nucleolar organizer region location and C-banding patterns) of Atelognathus and related genera of Batrachylidae in an evolutionary framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anurans communicate information during breeding activity to conspecifics mainly through acoustic signals, and different evolutionary forces may produce geographic variation in such communication systems. To understand which variables influenced geographic variation in the advertisement call of Dendropsophus nanus, a generalist species with a broad distribution in South America, we tested three nonexclusive hypotheses: geographic distance, environmental temperature, and body size. The advertisement call of this species consists of two note types: Type A, which functions in spacing among males in aggregations, and Type B, which may influence female choice. To determine the effect of the three explanatory variables on each note, we sampled nine populations in central and southern Brazil. We found that geographic distance and temperature were the main variables explaining variation in both notes. An exploratory analysis revealed differences in the advertisement call between populations in western and eastern localities. Because temperature was spatially structured, geographic distance may have produced variation in temperature along the longitudinal gradient, resulting in the observed variation in bioacoustic parameters among populations. Also, we observed that individuals in warmer localities were smaller than those from colder localities, and this difference in body size was correlated to the note repetition rate of Type A notes. Our findings indicate that variation in acoustic parameters may be an indirect result of temperature acting on body size. Thus, geographic variation in the advertisement call of D. nanus may be due to both neutral and selective processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aplastodiscus musicus is a rare species and the only member of its genus that has not been included in previous phylogenetic studies. This species is known only from its type locality at Serra dos Órgãos National Park in southeastern Brazil, and has not been seen in over 21 yr. Here, we report the re-encounter of an individual of A. musicus at its type locality, describe its advertisement call for the first time, and present a hypothesis concerning its phylogenetic placement. The call of A. musicus is very simple and melodic, composed of one unpulsed note, and emitted at a high repetition rate. It differs from the call of all species of Aplastodiscus and is more similar to those of the A. albofrenatus group. The phylogenetic analysis, based on nuclear and mitochondrial data from all species of Aplastodiscus, recovered A. musicus as the sister taxon of all species currently assigned to the A. albofrenatus group with high support. Our results strongly support the reassignment of A. musicus to the A. albofrenatus group. Previous discussions regarding the evolution of the pericloacal morphology and chromosome number are also revised on the basis of the phylogenetic placement of A. musicus. The re-encounter of A. musicus highlights the importance of increased efforts to search for lost species, especially with the aid of bioacoustics, which permits individual detection and identification at great distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Pristimantis from one of the most isolated regions of Colombia, at elevations of 700–800 m in the Tame River basin at the eastern slope of the Cordillera Oriental in Colombia (Department of Arauca). This locality has been in the grasp of guerrilla groups and right-wing paramilitaries, and as a consequence, this region has been historically inaccessible or risky for researchers. The new species is a diurnal forest dweller, similar to Pristimantis savagei and P. vilarsi. It is distinguished from its congeners by having finely shagreened dorsum skin, areolate ventral skin, moderate tympanic membrane size (length = 37.2–58.8% of eye length), long hind limbs (tibia length = 53.6–63.6% of snout–vent length), and an advertisement call composed of a short single note, while lacking ridges on scapula, tubercles on upper eyelid and heel, and basal webbing in toes. In addition to the new species described herein, we demonstrate that subarticular tubercles display more variation than what is commonly described in taxonomic studies of terraranan frogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new Amazonian species of Adenomera that corresponds to one of the acoustic signals and morphs from Tambopata National Reserve (Adenomera "Forest Call I") and to a confirmed candidate species (Adenomera sp. E) in the most recently published phylogeny for the genus. The new species is distinguished from all 19 described congeners by its unique advertisement call, consisting of a single multipulsed note, formed by 22–35 partly fused pulses (greatest pulse number recorded for the genus among species with partly fused notes). The new species is further distinguished from most congeners in having toe tips expanded into small discs. Its distribution is associated with the Amazonian region encompassing western Brazil (state of Acre), southeastern Peru, and north-central Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For most pond-breeding anurans, movement is fundamental for foraging, reproduction, avoidance of adverse environmental conditions, and predator avoidance and escape. Although the influence of environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall on anuran activity other than movement is well documented, the effect of these factors on anuran movement is less clear. In this study, we examined the influence of environmental factors on distances moved by 11 adult male Butter Frogs (Leptodactylus latrans) during their breeding season. We fitted movement data as the response variable and environmental factors as fixed effects in generalized linear models and performed model selection and model averaging to understand the contribution of each variable to movement. We were not able to identify any environmental factors that trigger movement in Leptodactylus latrans, but distance moved was positively related to darker phases of the moon, higher temperatures, and greater rainfall. Behavioral response to the lunar cycle is believed to be associated with predator avoidance and reproduction synchronization, whereas responses to temperature and rainfall are most associated with water balance and metabolic regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two new species of Pristimantis from southwestern Colombia. The first new species inhabits the humid Pacific slopes of the Cordillera Occidental, Valle del Cauca; it is most similar to three allopatric Ecuadorian species—P. eugeniae (Lynch and Duellman 1997), P. nyctophylax (Lynch 1976), and P. subsigillatus (Boulenger 1902). It is distinguished, however, by having subarticular tubercles beneath the joint between distal phalanges, basal webbing on outer edge of toe IV, papilla at the tip of snout, and uniform cream-brown coloration on the anterior surfaces of thighs and in the groin. The second new species inhabits the high mountains of the Cordillera Central, Cauca, and it is most similar to P. boulengeri (Lynch 1981) and two Peruvian species—P. deyiLehr et al. 2013 and P. schultei (Duellman 1990). However, it differs by having subarticular tubercles beneath the joint between distal phalanges, dorsal skin with low warts, papilla at the tip of snout, and by lacking tympanic membranes, dentigerous processes of the vomer, and vocal slits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of the genus Fritziana, historically identified as Fritziana fissilis or F. aff. fissilis. Using adult and tadpole morphology, as well as molecular analyses, we found the new species to be characterized by having the following traits: a mucronate snout tip, a black stripe on the wrist, round subarticular tubercles on the fingers and toes, a closed dorsal egg-pouch in females, tadpoles deposited in bromeliads, and a different mitochondrial transfer RNA gene order, when compared to the general orders already recognized for anurans. This new species occurs in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, in the states of São Paulo, Parana, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, and has the largest geographic distribution recorded for a species of Fritziana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergmann's rule states that endothermic species from cool areas tend to have larger body sizes than those from warm areas. Allen's rule maintains that endothermic species from cool environments should have shorter extremities than their counterparts from warm areas. Although a number of studies have supported both rules, the validity of these trends remains controversial, especially for ectothermic organisms. Here, we studied intraspecific morphological variation in Four-Eyed Frogs (Pleurodema thaul) to determine if these rules are valid in an ecogeographic context. Specifically, we analyzed how morphology varies across nine traits in males of P. thaul collected from nine localities in Chile. A discriminant analysis of all measured traits indicated differentiation between localities, and the first two canonical variables explained ∼80% of the total variation in morphometric features. Additionally, these two canonical variables were correlated with precipitation and monthly minimum temperature. To determine the validity of Allen's rule, a stepwise discriminant analysis was performed incorporating three morphological variables measured on the extremities of the individuals. This analysis indicated no variation in the traits between populations. The first canonical variable of the discriminant analysis explained 90% of the total variation in extremity morphology and was not correlated with environmental variables. We did, however, detect a correlation between the canonical variables of the stepwise discriminant analysis, and both minimum temperature and precipitation. Overall, our results indicate that the populations of P. thaul in Chile comply with Bergmann's rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cane Toads ( Rhinella marina) are introduced pests and have successfully invaded many locations. Their highly plastic reproductive activity might be one of the factors facilitating invasions. Previous studies of the reproductive cycle of this species collected toads from breeding areas, thus biasing samples to breeding individuals. To examine how toad reproductive condition changed through time, and its relationship to observed levels of breeding activity, we sampled toads from nonbreeding habitat over 2 yr, while observing breeding behavior at the nearest pond. Female and male toads were collected and dissected each month, and body mass, gonadal volume, and fat body mass were recorded. Mean gonadal volume of both female and male toads decreased over the breeding season and increased when toads were not breeding. Female reproductive condition was classified into early, middle, or late stages of egg development. The proportion of females with late-stage eggs slowly increased until the point in the breeding season when males started calling, and then decreased. The fat body mass cycle was roughly opposite to the gonadal cycle. The seasonal cycle in toad reproductive condition was correlated with rainfall, indicating that rainfall is one of the causes of variation in the timing of their reproduction. We suggest the highest capture rates of large females with fully mature eggs in traps would be obtained in the late dry to early wet seasons, up to the time when males start calling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat loss and degradation appear to be the primary drivers of amphibian declines. Given the losses of native prairie and prairie wetlands, it is essential to understand the habitat conditions that support amphibian species in remaining prairie ecosystems. In this study, we combine wetland surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), and hierarchical statistical modeling to assess anuran occupancy relationships with wetland and landscape factors. We surveyed 141 wetlands with repeated sampling for amphibian breeding activity (calling, eggs, tadpoles, metamorphs) in the Sheyenne National Grasslands-one of the largest contiguous prairies on the North American continent. Overall we observed evidence of seven amphibian species breeding in the Sheyenne National Grasslands. Species with ubiquitous distributions (Boreal Chorus Frogs) or species that occurred infrequently (Canadian Toads and Great Plains Toads) had little variance in occupancy. However, Northern Leopard Frogs, Wood Frogs, and Gray Treefrogs exhibited occupancy relationships with wetland and landscape variables. Our results establish a baseline understanding of current prairie amphibian-habitat relationships. Furthermore, they indicate that integrating local and landscape variables into occupancy models that account for spatial autocorrelation can provide a better understanding of amphibian ecology, and can inform conservation and restoration programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I describe a new species of reed frog ( Hyperolius: Hyperoliidae) from the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea archipelago. The new species is within the Hyperolius cinnamomeoventris species complex, which includes four described species: H. cinnamomeoventris, H. veithi, H. molleri, and H. thomensis. The new species is sexually monochromatic (males and females have green dorsal coloration) and is thus distinguished from H. cinnamomeoventris, which is sexually dichromatic, and from H. veithi, in which both males and females are tan with yellow dorsolateral lines. The new species is smaller in size than H. thomensis, and differs in coloration from H. molleri and H. thomensis by lacking a black contour along the edges of the green/yellow band of coloration that extends down the dorsal side of the thigh, by lacking red/orange coloration on the dorsal and ventral sides of the thigh, and in the mitochondrial 16s and cytochrome-b genes. Furthermore, previous work indicates that the new species is distinct from H. molleri and H. thomensis in analyses of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms. This new species is the third endemic amphibian described from this small oceanic island. The type material for the closely related H. molleri and H. thomensis was destroyed or lost; therefore, I designate neotype material for these two species to enable the description of the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is considered a serious threat to biodiversity. If populations no longer have physiological, morphological, or behavioral adaptations to withstand novel climatic conditions, or if they are unable to change the timing of crucial life-history events to avoid the months with unfavorable climates, the only alternative might be to track appropriate conditions in space and follow them. This study explores the latter scenario and evaluates the potential spatial effects that climate change might exert on four wide-ranging generalist anurans from South America. Using six methods to model ecological niches and different climate change scenarios for 2050, we found that these treefrog species are predicted to experience a contraction in their geographical ranges at magnitudes varying from 13.90% ( Dendropsophus nanus) to 52.06% ( D. minutus) because of the loss of climatically suitable areas. These areas are mainly located in the northern perimeter of the current species distribution. Conversely, only minor gains in new climatically suitable areas are predicted for these species (except for D. minutus). Finally, all species are predicted to be found almost exclusively within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and to be absent from the lowlands of the Pantanal floodplains by 2050. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rhombophryne serratopalpebrosa (Guibé 1975) species complex consists of numerous cryptic narrow-mouthed frogs (Microhylidae) mostly restricted to northern Madagascar. We here provide an updated phylogeny of the genus Rhombophryne, and formally define the R. serratopalpebrosa group, characterized by the possession of small, fleshy superciliary spines. We describe two new species belonging to this group from the Tsaratanana Massif in northern Madagascar: Rhombophryne ornata sp. nov. and R. tany sp. nov. Both of the new species have fewer superciliary spines above each eye than any other member of the group (2 vs. 3-4). Rhombophryne ornata sp. nov. is unusual in having fairly elaborate dorsal markings, and is unique in having reddish thighs. In contrast, R. tany sp. nov. is a truly cryptic species characterized by a combination of characters unique within the R. serratopalpebrosa group. Micro-CT scans revealed differences between the skeletons of these species and other members of the group: the pubis is unossified in both species, and R. ornata sp. nov. lacks ossification in the epiphyses of its limb bones and in many of its small bones. We give a full osteological description of these frog species to facilitate ongoing research concerning this group. Genetic data suggest that these two syntopic species might be sister to each other, but they show a substantial genetic divergence of 3.9% and 8.4% uncorrected pairwise distance in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I genes, respectively. As these species have a limited extent of occurrence, and are known only from a single location in a forest that is declining in quality, we propose they be listed as Vulnerable B1ab(iii) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal populations that normally fluctuate in size in response to stochastic environmental events might be subject to unsustainably high mortality rates in the face of progressive habitat loss or degradation. This should perturb the population's age-structure in predictable ways if the increase in mortality is age- or stage-specific (i.e., a decline in recruitment should result in a progressively older adult population, whereas a decline in adult survivorship should result in a progressively younger adult population). We used skeletochronology to ascertain the ages of adult individuals in a population of Fowler's Toads, Anaxyrus ( = Bufo) fowleri, over 20 yr, spanning a period of regulated population fluctuation from 1992 to 2002 and a period of sustained population decline thereafter until 2011. Age structure was similar between sexes, but was highly variable during both periods. Although there was no temporal trend detected in average age among 420 toads during the predecline period, 1992-2000, there was an increase in average age among 469 toads during the decline period, 2002-2011, with no significant change in adult survivorship. This evidence of an aging population is consistent with a reduction in recruitment in the population, related to the progressive loss of breeding habitat caused by an invasive plant, demonstrating that amphibian populations may be threatened with decline even when mortal threats to adults have not increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-third of known amphibian populations have become extinct, with habitat loss and degradation being the leading causes in the United States. Site occupancy has been suggested as one of the most effective state variables in describing population declines. The objectives of this study were to determine occupancy estimates of five southwestern desert anurans, accounting for imperfect detection, and to determine the main factors impacting detection. We conducted call and visual surveys on three consecutive nights after rain events at 21 breeding sites for Mexican Spadefoot ( Spea multiplicata), Plains Spadefoot ( Spea bombifrons), Couch's Spadefoot ( Scaphiopus couchii), Great Plains Toad ( Anaxyrus cognatus), and Green Toad ( Anaxyrus debilis). We used occupancy modeling to estimate the proportion of sites occupied for all species detected during the sampling period. Spea multiplicata and A. debilis were most prevalent, followed by A. cognatus, Sp. bombifrons, and Sc. couchii, respectively. In addition to the inclusion of repeated site surveys to decrease bias, incorporating visual surveys greatly improved occupancy estimates for southwestern desert anurans. Detection was highest on survey night one for Sp. multiplicata, Sp. bombifrons, Sc. couchii, and A. debilis (72.2-100%); warmer air temperature improved detection of A. cognatus. Sky conditions did not significantly influence desert anuran detectability. Immediate survey after rain events and the combination of call and visual surveys are critical to increase accuracy when studying desert anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Oreobates from Jujuy, Argentina. The new species is clearly diagnosable from other species of Oreobates by a combination of morphological characters and support by molecular evidence (genetic distance and phylogenetic analysis). We also provide taxonomic comments about O. discoidalis and O. barituensis, emphasizing the need for an exhaustive revision of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anew species of brachycephalid frog is described from the highlands of the Atlantic Forest in Serra do Mar, municipality of Cunha, Säo Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected amidst the leaf litter at approximately 920 m above sea level. The new species is distinguished from all of its congeners by the combination of the following characters: snout-vent length 9.5-15.6 mm; rough dorsum; general background color orange with a variable density of whitish spots on dorsum; skin on head and dorsum granular with dermal ossification; skull, spinal processes of sacral and presacral vertebrae, and process of the fourth vertebra hyperossified; absence of hyperossification in the central portion of the skull: dorsal surface of body covered by osteoderms. The new species was found active by day and is locally abundant. Males hold territories during the reproductive season. Females had few mature oocytes during the same period. The advertisement call of B. crispus is a long and low-intensity buzz with a regular repetition of notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Pseudopaludicola endemic to the Caatinga ecoregion of northeastern Brazil. The new species is characterized morphologically by small size, lack of T-shape terminal phalanges, smooth upper eyelids, presence of abdominal and vocal sac folds, light cream-colored vocal sac, and short hind limbs with tibia-tarsal articulation reaching the eye. The tadpole has a globular body shape, low tail fins, and a ventral oral disc bordered by a single row of marginal papillae with a wide anterior gap and two ventrolateral gaps; oral formula: 2(2)/2(l). The advertisement call consists of a well-defined sequence of notes comprising three nonconcatenated pulses, each with long interpulse intervals (111 ± 21 ms) and average note duration of 238 ± 31 ms. The mean dominant frequency is 5636 ± 300 Hz, and increases from the first to the last pulse in each note. The advertisement call easily distinguishes the new species from all other congeners for which calls are known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Allophryne is described and, in contrast to its congeners that occur in the Amazon Basin, is based on specimens obtained in Uruçuca, State of Baliia, in the Atlantic Rain Forest of eastern Brazil. Allophryne relicta sp. nov. is characterized by a medium body size for the genus (snout-vent length range 19.9-21.9 mm in males); large head (head width about 35% of SVL); large, red-orange eyes, with a large black transversal stripe on iris; dorsum covered by few tubercles and many scattered black dots; dorsolateral surfaces cream with dark brown, elongate, anastomosed spots, and venter clear gray with scattered small white tubercles; presence of a line of tubercles on the ventrolateral surface of forearm; advertisement call formed by a multi-pulsed note of 0.509 ± 0.029 s in duration and emitted at intervals of 1.287 ± 0.500 s, with notes composed of 28.58 ± 1.84 pulses at a dominant frequency of 3828 ± 82.28 Hz; call-note emission rate of 34.46 notes/min and pulse emission rate of 56.13 ± 1.25 s. The molecular phylogeny supports the placement of A. relicta sp. nov. as sister taxon of a clade formed by A. resplendens + A. ruthveni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Trachyceplialus from the Amazon Rain Forest, which is morphologically similar to T. resinifictrix (Goeldi). This new species is characterized by a medium body size for species in the genus (males snout-vent length [SVL] 57.9-74.3 mm, females SVL 74.4-84.9 mm); skin of the head not co-ossified with underlying dermal bones; dorsal skin texture, including that of the head, densely glandulous with several tubercles; paired vocal sac that protmdes at a posterior angle to the jaw when inflated; iris coloration pinkish-beige with a horizontal black bar and a vertical thin black line below the pupil; dorsal color pattern consisting of a wide interocular whitish-beige and a dark blotch on the middle of the dorsum joining the crossbar at the top of the dorsum, forming a "T" shape; rounded snout in dorsal view, and rounded or acuminate in profile; well-developed supratympanic fold; ulnar tubercles present, sometimes associated with ulnar fold; well-developed axillary membrane; well-developed tarsal fold; males with nonhypertrophied forearm; minimum frequencies of the advertisement call lower than 0.38 kHz; pulse rate 126.7-146.6 pulses/s; tadpole external coloration with brown reticulated blotches in the superior portion of the fin; tooth row formulae 2(2)/4. The new species, which is widely distributed in the Amazonian Forest, has been confused with the parapatric T. resinifictrix. It is a canopy treefrog that breeds in tree-holes that have accumulated rainwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of frog of the genus Kaloula (family Microhylidae) from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia based on morphological evidence. The new species has previously been mistaken with K. baleata, which it most closely resembles. Kaloula indochinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum snout-vent length 53.7 mm; finger tips expanded into wide discs; the majority of specimens with two subarticular tubercles on the fourth toe; inner and outer metatarsal tubercle slightly raised, inner metatarsal tubercle shorter than first toe; absence of dorsolateral stripe; and large, bright, orange-yellow axillary and inguinal spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe a new species of the Ischnocnema parva species series from the Parque Estadual do Desengano, in the northern part of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We use morphology and mtDNA sequences to allocate the new species into the I. parva species series. The new species is closely related to I. parva genetically and morphologically, from which it is diagnosable by (1) the presence of a well-developed calcar tubercle, (2) a reduced Toe I, (3) a deep V-shaped median slit on the dorsal surface of toe discs, and (4) externally indistinct tympanum and tympanic annulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frogs and toads have species-specific repertoires of vocalizations that function in contexts related to reproduction. Although some 6000 anuran species have been described to date, we have comparatively few descriptions of their vocalizations, which are among their most conspicuous behaviors. Statistical descriptions of vocal repertoires are key to understanding the evolution of frog communication systems and play potentially important roles in anuran conservation and systematics. The primary objective of this study was to describe the vocal repertoire and calling behavior of the Ponmudi Bush Frog, Raorchestes graminirupes, a recently described species endemic to the Western Ghats of India. A secondar)' objective was to investigate patterns of individual variation in calling behavior and several potential sources of that variability, including temperature, body size, and physical condition. We analyzed 1000 calls from 25 males near Ponmudi in the State of Kerala. Males produced two distinct, pulsatile call types that were temporally organized in a hierarchical structure of short call groups and longer call bouts. The two call types differed primarily in call duration, amplitude envelope, and the number of pulses per call. The dominant frequency of both call types was significantly negatively correlated with body length, mass, and condition. Temporal properties were generally unrelated to male phenotype, and few call properties were related to temperature in our sample of recordings. Based on coefficients of variation (CV), dominant frequency exhibited less variability within and among individuals (CV < 4%) compared with temporal properties (e.g., 10% < CVs < 30%). We discuss diese results in relation to previous studies of vocal repertoires and call variability in other anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The High-Andean Frog (Dendropsophus labialis) is distributed along the Eastern Andes of Colombia between 1900 and 3600 m. We analyzed multiple traits to determine if acoustics and morphology covary with genealogical history or if they evolved following independent trajectories. We generated a phylogeny of D. labialis populations with the use of mitochondrial ribosomal gene (12S, val-RNA, 16S) and nuclear gene (proopiomelanocortin A [POMC]) sequences. Two well-supported clades that correspond to geographic distribution were recovered. Acoustic variation diverges according to genealogical history, but external morphology does not follow this pattern. The strong and congruent divergence observed in acoustic and genetic characters indicates that these two clades correspond to morphologically cryptic, parapatric species. We describe the Northern Clade as a new species (Dendropsophus luddeckei; the Southern Clade retains the name D. labialis). The low level of molecular divergence between two outgroup species, Dendropsophus pelidna and Dendropsophus meridensis, suggests D. pelidna is a junior subjective synonym of D. meridensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supernumerary or B chromosomes are one of the main causes for numerical chromosomal variation in higher eukaryotes. These extragenetic elements have been studied for more than a century, with the goal of trying to understand their origin, and how they survive as a polymorphism in natural populations. Hypsiboas albopunctatus is a nocturnal hylid frog distributed in the central–eastern part of South America. Previously, variation in chromosome numbers was described for a population from Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil, in which a single small-sized, metacentric B chromosome was present in ca. 40% of the analyzed individuals (n = 17). We herein describe the presence of B chromosomes in populations of H. albopunctatus from northeastern Argentina (Corrientes and Misiones provinces), with unusual morphological and structural characteristics. The frequency of B chromosomes varied significantly among analyzed populations. We found four diploid numbers (2N = 22, 22 + 1B, 22 + 2B, and 22 + 3B), and in a few individuals mitotic instability occurred. C banding revealed variations in the heterochromatin (DAPI+) pattern between Bs with similar morphology, indicating the existence of two new structural variants of these supernumerary elements in H. albopunctatus (B1 and B2). Nucleolar organizer regions marked positively on the eighth pair, coincident with the location of ribosomal DNA as demonstrated with fluorescent in situ hybridization, but Bs did not mark positive with these two techniques. Also, fluorescent in situ hybridization with telomeric probes showed no differences in location and intensity between Bs and autosomal chromosomes. The present communication is the first case of B chromosome polymorphisms in hylid frogs and the sixth reported in Anura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial amphibians may dehydrate when exposed to low humidity, representing an important factor affecting spatial distribution and community composition. In this study we investigated whether rates of dehydration and rehydration are able to explain the spatial distribution of an anuran community in a Restinga environment at the northern coast of the State of Bahia, Brazil, represented by 11 species distributed in 27 sample units. The environmental data set containing 20 variables was reduced to a few synthetic axes by principal component analysis (PCA). Physiological variables measured were rates of dehydration, rehydration from water, and rehydration from a neutral substrate. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the null hypothesis of no association between the environmental data set (synthetic axes of PCA) and each axis representative of a physiological variable, which was rejected (P < 0.001). Of 15 possible partial regressions only rehydration rate from neutral substrate vs. PCI and PC2, rehydration rate from water vs. PCI, and dehydration rate vs. PC2 were significant. Our analysis was influenced by a gradient between two different groups of sample units: a beach area with high density of bromeliads and an environment without bodies of water with low density of bromeliads. Species of very specific natural history and morphological characters occur in these environments: Phyllodytes melanomystax and Scinax auratus, species frequently occurring in terrestrial bromeliads, and Ischnocnema paulodutrai, common along the northern coast of Bahia and usually found in forest remnants within environments with low number of bodies of water. In dry environments species with lower rates of dehydration were dominant, whereas species showing greater rates of dehydration were found predominantly in microhabitats with greater moisture or abundance of bodies of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Ischnocnema from the municipality of Arcos, in the karst region of the upper Rio São Francisco basin, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by the possession of a W-shaped mark on the back, at the level of the shoulder, with one tubercle at each posterior point, red iris in life, and moderate-sized discs on fingers III and IV. These characteristics resemble those of Ischnocnema manezinho and I. sambaqui (from the I. lactea series) but also that from the species in the I. verrucosa series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of miniaturized froglet (genus Brachycephalus) is described from Morro Prumirim in the municipality of Ubatuba, São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected from the leaf litter at approximately 800 m above sea level. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by the combination of the following characters: snout–vent length 8.7–13.4 mm; skin on head and dorsum with dermal ossification; general color orange, with a narrow brownish vertebral stripe and belly without spots; and skull, spinal processes of sacral and pre-sacral vertebrae, and process of the fourth vertebra hyperossified. Canonical variates analysis of linear body measurement demonstrates that the new species is easily discriminated from other Brachycephalus species with which it shares an intermediate condition of hyperossification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of brachycephalid frog from Atlantic forest of Serra do Morato, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, state of Paraná, Brazil. Brachycephalus tridactylus sp. nov. is characterized by the absence of external trace of finger IV, orange color in life, dorsolateral and ventrolateral regions with regular small olive-gray spots, and ventral region and thighs orange with olive-grayish irregular coalescent spots and small dots; skin on the dorsum of head and central body dorsum smooth with no dermal co-ossification. The advertisement call of the new species has a single short note that decreases in dominant frequency from beginning to end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Pristimantis from evergreen lowland forest in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. We observed all specimens to be active at night, located over leaves of shrubs in both primary forest and in the edge of forest clearings. The new species is tentatively assigned to Pristimantis (Pristimantis) frater group based on its small size (17.0–22.1 mm in snout–vent length of four males and 24.1 mm in a single female), relatively narrow head, short and subacuminate snout, lack of canthal stripes and labial bars, moderately long limbs, Finger I shorter than Finger II, and Toe V longer than Toe III. The new species differs from other congeneric species in Amazonia by possessing dense black reticulations on upper and lower borders of the iris, a dorsum that is orange or dark reddish brown without distinct pattern in life, a tympanic membrane not differentiated but ventral part of the tympanic annulus visible, and a small tubercle on each heel and eyelid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil anuran remains from an outcropping of Oligocene sediments in central Patagonia have been attributed to the extant genus Eupsophus based on their putative similarity to the skeleton of living members of this genus. These remains would represent the only and oldest evidence of the existence not only of Eupsophus, but also of any cycloramphid anuran in Patagonia during the past. Given the scarcity of the anuran fossil record, these fossils have been long considered as significant evidence in the discussion of the evolutionary history of the South American batrachofauna. However, re-examination of these specimens reveals that some skeletal structures were misinterpreted and that these anurans clearly differ from living Eupsophus. Although osteological synapomorphies of this genus are still unknown, there is no evidence to link these fossil remains with the presence of Eupsophus in the Oligocene batrachofauna of Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and surrounding areas contain substantial biological diversity. The mountains that make up the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt are a hypothesized biogeographic barrier for the terrestrial fauna found in the region. Several phylogeographic studies have provided genetic evidence in support of this historical narrative; however, the species examined represent a small percentage of the diversity found in this part of Mexico. Thus, additional studies are needed to identify concordant phylogeographic patterns and infer the historic species composition of particular ecoregions. In this study we investigated genetic variation in the Lowland Burrowing Treefrog, Smilisca fodiens, a species that occurs on both sides of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. We used mitochondrial (12S and 16S ribosomal subunits; 1039 base pairs [bp]) and nuclear (tyrosinase precursor; 513 bp) DNA to perform phylogenetic analyses on frogs from several localities in Mexico. Mitochondrial DNA supported two well-defined clades that correspond to populations found north and south of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, respectively. These analyses of matrilineal lineages also found higher levels of genetic diversity south of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Although our nuclear DNA analysis did not reveal a phylogeographic split at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, we observed higher genetic variation among our southern samples, similar to the mitochondrial analyses. Our results are consistent with studies in other sympatric taxa that propose the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt as a biogeographic barrier. Additionally, our results suggest recent northern range expansion of S. fodiens. We suggest retaining S. fodiens as a single species until future work can clarify the amount and direction of gene flow between the mitochondrial clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new species of Gastrotheca from the Río Abiseo National Park of the San Martín Region in the Andes of northern Peru. The description is based on a series of 29 specimens that were collected between 1989 and 1999 at two localities (Pampa del Cuy, Alpamachay) in the wet puna of the national park between 3380 and 3470 m elevation. The new species has a snout-vent length of 46.9-57.7 mm (53.5 ± 3.0) in females (n = 21), and 35.3-43.8 mm (41.6 ± 3.2) in males (n = 6). In life, the dorsum is pale grayish brown with reddish-brown paravertebral markings or blotches, and the venter is cream. Females have a single median, dorsal brood pouch and release tadpoles in water as indicated by two specimens found at Gosner Stages 45 and 46. The new species is distinguished from all of its congeners by having the dorsum with two reddish-brown paravertebral markings bearing prominent longitudinal ridges and warts. The new species differs from the two other species of Gastrotheca (G. ossilaginis, G. phalarosa) known from the Region San Martín by lacking integumentary-cranial co-ossification (present in G. ossilaginis), by having the skin on dorsum with prominent longitudinal ridges and warts (dorsal skin shagreen in G. ossilaginis), and in producing tadpoles (direct development in G. ossilaginis). The new species most closely resembles G. phalarosa. Both species produce tadpoles, have fingers and toes with lateral fringes, and Finger I larger than Finger II. Gastrotheca phelloderma differs from G. phalarosa by having the skin on dorsum with prominent longitudinal ridges (absent in G. phalarosa), the venter granular (smooth except granular on posterior part of belly and proximal posteroventral surfaces of thighs in G. phalarosa), a palmar tubercle (absent in G. phalarosa), a long and distinct inner tarsal fold (barely evident on distal fifth of tarsus in G. phalarosa), and the throat and belly grayish tan (black with white spots in G. phalarosa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of puddle frog (Phrynobatrachus) is described from the Obudu Plateau in Cross River State of eastern Nigeria. The new species is distinguished from Phrynobatrachus species that are either closely related or occur in Nigeria or nearby countries by the combination of its larger body size (larger than the closely related P. chukuchuku, P. danko, P. manengoubensis, and P. werneri) and more extensive degree of development of male traits such as the nuptial pad and gular spines. The new species is also distinguished by a pale or white line along the anterior edge of the supratympanic skin ridge. A molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals that this morphologically distinct taxon is conspecific with a juvenile specimen from the Obudu Plateau previously referred to as P. werneri, and that this new species forms a clade with three other small species from the mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria (P. danko, P. werneri, and P. manengoubensis). The description of this species adds to the diversity of amphibian species of the Obudu Plateau, many of which have disjunct distributions with other populations located in the mountains of neighboring Cameroon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of squeaker frog (genus Arthroleptis) is described from the northern mountains of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a species-rich region within the West African biodiversity hotspot. This new species is associated with human-altered landscapes, including farms and grasslands, and is known from the highland areas near Bamenda, including Mt. Oku, Cameroon, as well as the Obudu and Mambilla Plateaus of eastern Nigeria. The known distribution suggests that it may eventually also be found throughout the Acha-Tugi Ridge that traverses the Cameroon--Nigeria border. More than 40 years ago, a specimen from one of these populations was recognized as probably representing a new species, but no further work was published on this material. We posit that the taxonomy of this new species has proven problematic because of morphological similarity to Arthroleptis poecilonotus. Although in some ways resembling A. poecilonotus, a molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial gene sequence data demonstrates that the new species is not closely related to A. poecilonotus and, instead, forms a clade with A. krokosua, A. perreti, and A. variabilis. The new species is diagnosable by the combination of medium--small body size (24-29 mm snout-vent length in adult females), the color patterns of the venter and head, and a relatively stout hindlimb with a prominent inner metatarsal tubercle. The description of this new species further highlights these mountains as an important region of endemism within the Cameroon Volcanic Line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]