Cryptic multicolored lizards in the Polychrus marmoratus Group (Squamata: Sauria: Polychrotidae) and the status of Leiolepis auduboni Hallowell

The Neotropical genus Polychrus contains seven species of arboreal lizards. The type species for the genus is the widespread Polychrus marmoratus. We compared a few populations of P. marmoratus using 16S and COI mitochondrial gene sequences (1,035 bp total) and found several lineages existing under the name Polychrus marmoratus. Working backwards, using morphology we identify Polychrus marmoratus from the Guiana Shield and resurrect the name Leiolepis auduboni Hallowell for the species present in Trinidad, Tobago, and northern Venezuela. The number of species in the genus Polychrus is raised to eight. However, we also discuss evidence for the existence of other cryptic species withi

Observations on Parental Care in The Glass Frog Hyalinobatrachium Orientate (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Tobago, with Comments on its Natural History

Egg attendance behavior of glass frog Hyalinobatrachium orientale from Tobago, West Indies, were studied. On July 25, 2012, three different males calling from leaves above an unnamed stream in the Tobago Forest Reserve were observed attending six different egg masses simultaneously. The males were commonly seen on top of, or otherwise in direct contact with, the egg masses. This observation suggests tat the males actually were attending the eggs and were not coincidently found in their proximity. In 2011, along a branch of the King\u27s Bay, glass frog eggs, embryos, and tadpoles were found on a fallen leaf near the streamside. Observations found that when explosively hatching, these tadpoles could propel themselves up to distance of 40 cm. These tadpoles were found to be bright green in color and transparent, while yolk was still present in the gut

Detecting Frogs and Detecting Declines: An Examination of Occupancy and Turnover Patterns at the Range Edge of Blanchard\u27s Cricket Frog (Acris Blanchardi)

While geographically widespread, Blanchard’s Cricket Frog (Acris blanchardi) has been declining recently in the northern portions of its range. No cause or causes have yet been definitively associated with this decline and few data are available regarding its current status. To provide data on recent trends in occupancy in the area of decline, we monitored 312 aquatic sites in three areas of western Ohio from 2004−2008 using calling surveys (1,807 surveys total). These sites were positioned surrounding the easternmost known populations identified in 2004 to allow us to detect ongoing decline, stasis, or recovery. Using occupancy modeling techniques, we estimated occupancy and turnover (extinction-colonization) rates and identified factors influencing occupancy, turnover, and detection probability. Site occupancy varied strongly by region but was stable or increasing in all monitoring areas during the study (north: 29% to 31%; central: 5% to 16%; south: 14% to 21%). Further, the easternmost known populations shifted eastward in two of the three monitoring areas, which together we interpret as potential evidence for limited recovery. We also detected population turnover with estimated annual colonization and extinction rates averaging 4% and 7%, respectively. Extinction rates were highest in ponds, lowest in streams, and intermediate in lakes, suggesting a possible source-sink population structure. The probability of detection was most heavily influenced by time of day and whether a broadcast of a breeding vocalization was played during the survey. Although these populations appear to be stable or expanding, they still occupy only a fraction of the species’ historic range in Ohio. We advocate continued monitoring to detect future distributional shifts in this formerly common species

Two New Plant-Breeding Frog Species (Anura: Mantellidae, Guibemantis) from Southeastern Madagascar

Based on morphology, advertisement calls and DNA sequences, we describe two new species of plant-breeding frogs in the genus Guibemantis (subgenus Pandanusicola) from coastal rainforests in southeastern Madagascar. Guibemantis annulatus sp. nov. is most similar to G. punctatus but differs in having a lighter background colour on the dorsum, smaller and more regularly rounded spots on the dorsum, conspicuous light rings just proximal to each toe or fnger disc, a longer femur, tibia and foot, a wider head, larger femoral glands (in males), a greater internarial distance and large genetic differences. Guibemantis wattersoni sp. nov. is most similar to G. bicalcaratus but differs in having a larger body size, a larger tympanum, two conspicuous parallel rostral lines and conspicuous light rings just proximal to each toe or fnger disc, in the characteristics of the advertisement calls and in large genetic differences. Also, unlike the described character state of all other known Pandanusicola, these species have completely separated paired subgular vocal sacs. Both of these new species are only found in phytotelms (typically in Pandanus plants), where they breed. Both new species also appear to be regional endemics and are of immediate conservation concern. We also redescribe G. punctatus based on new topotypical material and discuss the identity of G. bicalcaratus and other available names

Habitat Selection, the Included Niche, and Coexistence in Plant-Specialist Frogs from Madagascar

Classic niche partitioning suggests that coexistence among asymmetric competitors is facilitated by differential resource use. Coexistence is also possible, however, when a species only has access to resources that are shared with a competitor, providing it is the superior competitor on that resource (the \u27included niche\u27). To test predictions of these two coexistence mechanisms, we studied habitat selection of two closely related sympatric plant-specialist frogs from Madagascar (Guibemantis bicalcaratus and Guibemantis punctatus). Both species live and breed only in the water-filled leaf axils of Pandanus plants, and previous experiments with their tadpoles demonstrated asymmetric competition. In a 3-yr field study, we: (1) monitored the biotic and abiotic conditions of 348 plants; (2) surveyed these plants for frogs; (3) undertook a mark-recapture study; and (4) conducted an experiment where we manipulated the amount of detritus in plants. We identified several differences in the conditions of the habitats selected by both species (e.g., plant height, canopy cover over the plant, abundance of heterospecifics). Co-occurrence was nevertheless common, and G. punctatus persisted almost exclusively in plants it shared with G. bicalcaratus. As predicted by theory, G. punctatus was the superior competitor, at least in the tadpole stage. The inferior competitor (G. bicalcaratus) had access to exclusive resources not available to G. punctatus, by virtue of a faster developmental rate that permitted reproduction in lower quality plants. While there was some evidence of weak niche partitioning, we conclude that coexistence in these plant-specialist frogs is primarily via an included niche mechanism. Abstract in French is available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/btp. © 2010 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2010 by The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation

Male Vocalizations, Female Discrimination and Molecular Phylogeny: Multiple Perspectives on The Taxonomic Status of a Critically Endangered Caribbean Frog

Until recently, morphology has been the predominant basis on which taxonomic decisions have been made. Now, many sources of data inform decisions in taxonomy, yet few studies are available that directly compare the conclusions made on the basis of different datasets. The difficulty of reaching clear taxonomic decisions is further complicated by the existence of allopatric populations, which may differ from other populations in notable ways yet not be distinct evolutionary units. We analyzed differences at the molecular level based on sequences of two mitochondrial genes, analyzed acoustic differences in male vocalizations (nine variables) and conducted a phonotaxis experiment with females to assess the taxonomic status of two putative Caribbean frog species (Mannophryne olmonae and Mannophryne trinitatis, Aromobatidae), which some authors have indicated as conspecific. A 16S gene tree (75 sequences of 15 putative species, 530 bp), a parametric bootstrap test, and the results of acoustic comparisons suggested that these entities were evolutionarily distinct. However, in the phonotaxis experiment, females of either species did not display significant preference among the male vocalizations presented. On the basis of the bioacoustic data and the 16S gene tree, we conclude that these taxa are distinct and suggest that lack of selection for pre-mating isolation in allopatry explains the lack of discrimination shown by females. Phonotaxis experiments in taxa with acoustic means of mate attraction should continue to be useful in assessing the evolutionary independence of putative sympatric entities, but our results suggest that they should be employed and interpreted cautiously when applied to allopatric populations. To most accurately assess the boundaries of evolutionary lineages, a pluralistic approach, utilizing as many sources of data as possible, is desirable. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 The Zoological Society of London

Impacts of Paternal Care and Seasonal Change on Offspring Survival: A Multiseason Experimental Study of a Caribbean Frog

Parental care is widespread among animals and many studies have investigated how environmental conditions influence parental care strategies. However, few studies have coupled observations of the frequency and form of parental care with manipulative studies on the function of care across multiple seasons. To address this gap, we made field observations and conducted male removal experiments in a glass frog with paternal egg attendance from the island of Tobago, West Indies. To test the hypothesis that seasonality impacts the frequency, form, and function of parental care, field observations and male removal experiments were undertaken three times, twice during the rainy season, and once in the dry season. We found seasonal differences in the frequency of egg attendance with males increasing the frequency of this behavior in the dry season, likely in response to a greater risk of clutch desiccation. We also found that clutches in which the male was removed had strongly reduced survivorship compared with controls and this pattern did not change seasonally. However, sources of mortality were strongly influenced by season. Arthropod predation was the primary source of mortality during the wet season, but in the dry season, desiccation was more important. Together, these results suggest that seasonal variation is both impacting care function as well as shaping the form that parental care takes

Molecular phylogenetics of the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium orientale (Anura: Centrolenidae): evidence for Pliocene connections between mainland Venezuela and the island of Tobago

The presence of Hyalinobatrachium orientale in Tobago and in northeastern Venezuela is puzzling as this species is unknown from the island of Trinidad, an island often hypothesized to be a stepping-stone for the mainland fauna to colonize Tobago. A period of extended isolation on Tobago could result in the Hyalinobatrachium population becoming distinct from the mainland H. orientale. Here, we use 12S and 16S rDNA gene fragments from nine H. orientale specimens from Tobago and the mainland to assess their relationship and taxonomy, as well as the tempo and mode of speciation. The results suggest H. orientalefrom Venezuela and Tobago are monophyletic and the two populations diverged about 3 million years ago. This estimate corresponds with the drier climate and lower sea levels of the Pliocene glaciation periods. We hypothesize that lower sea levels resulted in land-bridge formations connecting the mainland and Tobago, with a corridor of habitat allowing H. orientale to colonize Tobago to the west of Trinidad