CHARACTER ASSESSMENT, GENUS LEVEL BOUNDARIES, AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSES OF THE FAMILY RHACOPHORIDAE:: A REVIEW AND PRESENT DAY STATUS

The first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the family Rhacophoridae was conducted by Liem (1970) scoring 81 species for 36 morphological characters. Channing (1989), in a reanalysis of Liem’s study, produced a phylogenetic hypothesis different from that of Liem. We compared the two studies and produced a third phylogenetic hypothesis based on the same characters. We also present the synapomorphic characters from Liem that define the major clades and each genus within the family. Finally, we summarize intergeneric relationships within the family as hypothesized by other studies, and the family’s current status as it relates to other ranoid families

A new family of diverse skin peptides from the microhylid frog genus phrynomantis

A wide range of frogs produce skin poisons composed of bioactive peptides for defence against pathogens, parasites and predators. While several frog families have been thoroughly screened for skin-secreted peptides, others, like the Microhylidae, have remained mostly unexplored. Previous studies of microhylids found no evidence of peptide secretion, suggesting that this defence adaptation was evolutionarily lost. We conducted transcriptome analyses of the skins of Phrynomantis bifasciatus and Phrynomantis microps, two African microhylid species long suspected to be poisonous. Our analyses reveal 17 evolutionary related transcripts that diversified from to those of cytolytic peptides found in other frog families. The 19 peptides predicted to be processed from these transcripts, named phrynomantins, show a striking structural diversity that is distinct from any previously identified frog skin peptide. Functional analyses of five phrynomantins confirm the loss of a cytolytic function and the absence of insecticidal or proinflammatory activity, suggesting that they represent an evolutionary transition to a new, yet unknown function. Our study shows that peptides have been retained in the defence poison of at least one microhylid lineage and encourages research on similarly understudied taxa to further elucidate the diversity and evolution of skin defence molecules

Biodiversity in a forest island: reptiles and amphibians of the West African Togo Hills

Our recent surveys of the herpetological diversity of the West African Togo Hills documented a total of 65 reptile and amphibian species, making Kyabobo National Park one of the most diverse sites surveyed in Ghana. We provide accounts for all species recorded along with photographs to aid in identification. We recorded 26 amphibians, including six new records for Kyabobo N. P., one of which is a record for the Togo Hills. Our collection of reptile species (22 lizards, 16 snakes, and one crocodile) also provides new records and range extensions for Kyabobo N. P., such as the first observation of the dwarf crocodile, Osteolaemus tetraspis. Amphibian species still lacking from our surveys in the Togo Hills include several species that are adapted to fast running water or large closed forests, like the Togo toad, Bufo togoensis and the slippery frog, Conraua derooi. Appropriate habitat for such species still remains in Kyabobo, highlighting the need for additional survey work. We draw attention to the importance of conserving forest stream habitats, which will in turn help ensure the persistence of forest-restricted species. We also highlight those species that may prove most useful for evolutionary studies of West African rain forest biogeography

Non-native Amphibian Pet Trade via Internet in Poland

Overharvesting and trade in amphibian populations is one of the causes of their global decline. Online trade not only encourages the exploitation of an increasing number of rare and endangered amphibian species from all over the world but also influences the spread of invasive species. The aim of our research was to investigate the amphibian pet trade conducted in online stores and portals in Poland and determine its potential impact on native species. Between November 2013 and October 2014, we regularly (on a monthly basis) checked sale offers on the websites of the 18 biggest pet shops in the country specialised in exotic animals, on a nationwide auction portal and on three exotic pet fan portals. During the study, we reported 486 offers of 112 amphibian species in online stores and on portals. Most of the offers involved one of the four families of amphibians: poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae), tree frogs (Hylidae), true toads (Bufonidae) and true salamanders (Salamandridae). Our data show increased interest in amphibians as pets in Poland. At least half of the offered species are possible hosts for the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. However, only one species, the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802), appears to be a potential invasive species. To summarise, the species offered in Poland that are characterised as threatened are predominantly those that are relatively easy to breed and that are popular as pets. Further studies are required to investigate the real threat to wild amphibian populations caused by the pet trade

Habitat selection of four african treefrogs (Leptopelis boulengeri, Hyperolius fusciventris bourtoni, H. Guttulatus and Afrixalus dorsalis) in degraded environments of the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The habitat structures of four species of African treefrogs (Leptopelis boulengeri, Hyperolius fusciventris bourtoni, H. guttulatus and Afrixalus dorsalis) in two degraded environments (Kwale and Patani) in the Niger Delta were investigated. There were a total of 381 individuals collected of which H. f. bourtoni was the most abundant species (173 individuals) at all sites while the least was L. boulengeri (41 individuals). Relatively even distribution of the treefrog species were observed at both study sites, however only L. boulengeri showed a significant difference (P< 0.05, df=1, x2 = 5.488) among individuals at the two study sites. More female (195) individuals were recorded than males (186). Significantly more individuals of treefrog species were observed during the rainy season than the dry season except in H. guttulatus (P > 0.05, df =1, x2 = 27.520) which was not significant. L. boulengeri occurred mainly in high elevations on the leaves and branches of shrubs and trees and were mainly seen in elevations between 3.1-≥4m above the ground level. H. f. bourtoni were sighted mostly from the leaves of grasses between 0.3-0.6m. Majority of H. guttulatus occupied leaves of shrubs and trees between 0.7-1.6m and a large number of individuals were collected from the roots of Pistia stratiotes submerged under water during the dry season. A. dorsalis occupied the lowest altitude among the species studied as many individuals were found between 0.08-0.4m on the leaves of grasses above water. L. boulengeri had the highest mean SVL and weight of 5.02±0.71cm and 8.93±0.91g respectively while H. f. bourtoni had the smallest of 2.30±0.31cm and 1.11±0.14g respectively. Female specimens were generally larger than males. Degraded secondary habitats offer a variety of microhabitats which are effectively utilized by these treefrogs species thus reducing interspecific competition.Keywords: African treefrogs, habitat destruction, morphology, microhabitats, competitio

Déterminisme des Coassements des Anoures de la ferme piscicole du Parc National du Banco (Côte d\'Ivoire)

Les facteurs déterminant les activités de coassements des anoures de la ferme piscicole du Parc National du Banco ont été étudiés. Une prospection acoustique basée sur l\'enregistrement standardisé des chants des grenouilles, a permis d\'inventorier, pendant quatre cycles nycthéméraux, 14 espèces réparties en 8 genres et 4 familles. La famille des Hyperoliidae avec 7 espèces est la plus diversifiée. Parmi les espèces recensées, une seule (Phrynobatrachus accraensis), a son pic d\'activité à 6 heures. Son rythme d\'activité de chants est influencé par la température de l\'air et l\'intensité lumineuse. Les Bufonidae, Hyperoliidae et Ranidae constituent une communauté aux moeurs nocturnes dont les pics de coassements se situent entre 21 heures et 24 heures. L\'humidité relative de l\'air conditionne leurs comportements. Par ailleurs, la majorité des espèces a une forte activité de coassement en saison de pluies. Nos résultats qui sont parmi les premiers concernant les communautés d\'Anoures du Parc National du Banco, permettront d\'élaborer une stratégie pour leur échantillonnage et leur protection.The factors determining the calling activities of anuran community in the Banco National Park fish farm have been studied. The standard acoustic encounter survey based on listening calling males permitted to inventory 14 species, 8 genera and 4 families, during four circadian cycles. The family of Hyperoliidae is diversified the most (7 species). Only one diurnal species (Phrynobatrachus accraensis) was observed, with a peak of activity at 6 hours. Its daily calling activity is influenced by the temperature of the air and the light intensity. The Bufonidae, Hyperoliidae and Ranidae families are nocturnal community. Their peaks of activity varied between 21 hours and 24 hours. The relative humidity of the air determined the behavior of these families. In addition, most of the species have a strong calling activity during the rainy season. Our results should permit to elaborate a standard method for amphibians survey in the Park. Keywords: Calling activity, Temporal variation, Amphibian, Banco National Park, West Africa.Sciences & Nature Vol. 5 (1) 2008: pp. 71-7

Comparison of toe pads of some southern African climbing frogs

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Osteology and chondrocranial morphology of Gastrophryne carolinensis (Anura: Microhylidae), with a review of the osteological diversity of New World microhylids

Microhylidae is a large, cosmopolitan anuran family. Recent molecular analyses have demonstrated the monophyly of the family—a conclusion that is supported by the larval morphology, coupled with the unique mode of tongue protrusion in adults, and a suite of osteological and myological characters seemingly associated with this innovation in feeding. Despite this functional constraint, osteological diversity probably exceeds that of any other anuran family, and this diversity is especially evident in the New Worldmicrohylids that comprise two clades, Gastrophryninae and Otophryninae. To facilitate comparisons among these clades, we describe the larval chondrocranium, skeletal development, and adult osteology of Gastrophryne carolinensis. We provide a phylogeneticcontext for these comparisons through a novel phylogenetic analysis of 45 microhylid genera based on data for one mitochondrial and three nuclear loci from previously published studies. Nearly all relationships within the monophyletic Gastrophryninae are resolvedwith robust support. Based on these results, we found that the larval chondrocrania of gastrophrynines share morphological features that distinguish them from Otophryne and other anurans. Among the adults, all gastrophrynines show evidence of an anterior shift ofthe jaws that is correlated with specializations in the otic region, and with the alignment of the planum antorbitale, the cartilage wall separating the nasal capsule from the orbits. The larval infrarostral and the adult mandibles lack a typical anuran mandibular symphysis, and the mentomeckelian bone of the adult is modified with a special process. The most variable part of the skull is the palate in which a neopalatine usually is absent and the vomer may be single or divided. The posteromedial processes of the hyoids of gastrophynines tend to be elaborated, and some taxa bear a peculiar transverse slit in the posterior part of the hyoid corpus. The anterior zonal elements of the pectoral girdle are reduced or absent, and the posterior parts enlarged and shifted posteriorly. Most taxa have eight presacral vertebrae; depending on the taxon the last presacral is amphicoelous or procoelous

Acoustic Characteristics of Treefrogs from Sichuan, China, with Comments on Systematic Relationship of Polypedates and Rhacophorus (Anura, Rhacophoridae)

Advertisement call characteristics of Polypedates chenfui, P. dugritei, and P. omeimontis, all from Sichuan, China, are described. Calls of the three species differ considerably from each other both in temporal and frequency patterns. Acoustically, these three species cannot be differentiated from some Rhacophorus species from Japan and Taiwan, and the systematic relationship of Polypedates and Rhacophorus needs reassessment