COPEIA articles

Secondary Homonymy of Bufo proboscideus Spix, 1824, with Phryniscus proboscideus Boulenger, 1882

Abstract.-- Chaparro et al. (2007) placed Rhamphophryne Trueb, 1971 into the synonymy of Rhinella Fitzinger, 1826. This resulted in Bufo (Oxyrhynchus) proboscideus Spix, 1824 (formerly Rhinella proboscidea) and Phryniscus proboscideus Boulenger, 1882 (formerly Rhamphophryne proboscidea) rendered as secondary homonyms. The new name Rhinella boulengeri is provided as a replacement for the junior name, Phryniscus proboscideus.

Cita / Citation: Chaparro, J.C., Pramuk, J.B., Gluesenkamp, A.G., and Frost D.R. (2007) Secondary Homonymy of Bufo proboscideus Spix, 1824, with Phryniscus proboscideus Boulenger, 1882. COPEIA 2007(4): 1029.

Correo electrónico del autor: Juan Carlos Chaparro jchaparroauza@yahoo.com.

---------------------

A Name for the Species of Allobates (Anura: Dendrobatoidea: Aromobatidae) from the Magdalena Valley of Colombia

Abstract.-- We describe a new species of Allobates from the Magdalena Valley in Colombia. The new species and its sister species, A. talamancae, are the only two species of Allobates known to occur west of the Andes. The new species differs from A. talamancae in being smaller, possessing a diffuse pale oblique lateral stripe, and exhibiting strong swelling of finger III in adult males. Tadpoles also differ in the relative size of anterior and posterior labial papillae; in the new species anterior papillae are conspicuously larger than posterior papillae, whereas in A. talamancae they are subequal in size. Allobates talamancae and the new species are allopatric. Among the cis-Andean species of Allobates, the new species most resembles A. melanolaemus, which also possesses a diffuse pale oblique lateral stripe and a solid black throat in adult males, but from which it differs in being smaller and adult males having finger III strongly swollen and solid black pigmentation covering the chest and most of the belly..

Cita / Citation: Grant, T., Acosta, A., and Rada, M. (2007) A Name for the Species of Allobates (Anura: Dendrobatoidea: Aromobatidae) from the Magdalena Valley of Colombia. COPEIA 2007(4): 844–854.

Correos electrónicos de los autores: Taran Grant taran.grant@pucrs.br, Andres Acosta andres.acosta@javeriana.edu.co, Marco Rada radamarco@hotmail.com.

---------------------

Global Rates of Habitat Loss and Implications for Amphibian Conservation

Abstract.-- A large number of factors are known to affect amphibian population viability, but most authors agree that the principal causes of amphibian declines are habitat loss, alteration, and fragmentation. We provide a global assessment of land use dynamics in the context of amphibian distributions. We accomplished this by compiling global maps of amphibian species richness and recent rates of change in land cover, land use, and human population growth. The amphibian map was developed using a combination of published literature and digital databases. We used an ecoregion framework to help interpret species distributions across environmental, rather than political, boundaries. We mapped rates of land cover and use change with statistics from the World Resources Institute, refined with a global digital dataset on land cover derived from satellite data. Temporal maps of human population were developed from the World Resources Institute database and other published sources. Our resultant map of amphibian species richness illustrates that amphibians are distributed in an uneven pattern around the globe, preferring terrestrial and freshwater habitats in ecoregions that are warm and moist. Spatiotemporal patterns of human population show that, prior to the 20th century, population growth and spread was slower, most extensive in the temperate ecoregions, and largely exclusive of major regions of high amphibian richness. Since the beginning of the 20th century, human population growth has been exponential and has occurred largely in the subtropical and tropical ecoregions favored by amphibians. Population growth has been accompanied by broad-scale changes in land cover and land use, typically in support of agriculture. We merged information on land cover, land use, and human population growth to generate a composite map showing the rates at which humans have been changing the world. When compared with the map of amphibian species richness, we found that many of the regions of the earth supporting the richest assemblages of amphibians are currently undergoing the highest rates of landscape modification.

Cita / Citation: Gallant, A.L., Klaver, R.W., Casper, G.S., and Lannoo, M.J. (2007) Global Rates of Habitat Loss and Implications for Amphibian Conservation. COPEIA 2007(4): 967–979.

Correo electrónico del autor: Michael J. Lannoo mlannoo@iupui.edu.

---------------------

Experimental Evidence for Aposematism in the Dendrobatid Poison Frog Oophaga pumilio

Abstract.-- Brightly colored poison frogs of the family Dendrobatidae contain an alkaloid-based chemical defense against predation. The bright coloration of these frogs is generally considered an aposematic signal to potential predators; however, relatively few studies have specifically tested this hypothesis. Herein we report the results of a field-based experiment designed to test the hypothesis of aposematism in the dendrobatid frog, Oophaga (=Dendrobates) pumilio from the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We used plasticine frog models to evaluate natural predation rates as a function of color. Predation rates on brown models were almost twice that of red models, suggesting that predators avoid brightly colored frog models. Birds accounted for the majority of attacks on the models. The results of this study provide experimental evidence in support of the hypothesis that bright coloration in dendrobatids functions as an aposematic signal to predators.

Cita / Citation: Saporito, R.A., Zuercher, R., Roberts, M., Gerow, K.G., and Donnelly., M.A. (2007) Experimental Evidence for Aposematism in the Dendrobatid Poison Frog Oophaga pumilio. COPEIA 2007(4): 1006–1011.

Correo electrónico del autor: Ralph Saporito ralph.saporito@gmail.com.

---------------------

Phylogeny and Ecology Determine Morphological Structure in a Snake Assemblage in the Central Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract.-- To investigate the role of ecological and historical factors in the organization of communities, we describe the ecomorphological structure of an assemblage of snakes (61 species in six families) in the Cerrado (a savanna-like grassland) of Distrito Federal, Brazil. These snakes vary in habits, with some being fossorial, cryptozoic, terrestrial, semi-aquatic, or arboreal. Periods of activity also vary. A multivariate analysis identified distinct morphological groups associated with patterns of resource use. We report higher niche diversification compared to snakes in the Caatinga (a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil), with fossorial and cryptozoic species occupying morphological space that is not occupied in the Caatinga. Monte Carlo permutations from canonical phylogenetic ordination revealed a significant phylogenetic effect on morphology for Colubridae, Colubrinae, Viperidae, Elapidae, and Boidae indicating that morphological divergence occurred in the distant past. We conclude that phylogeny is the most important factor determining structure of this Neotropical assemblage. Nevertheless, our results also suggest a strong ecological component characterizes a peculiar snake fauna.

Cita / Citation: França, F.G.R., Mesquita, D.O., Nogueira, C.C., and Araújo, A.F.B. (2008) Phylogeny and Ecology Determine Morphological Structure in a Snake Assemblage in the Central Brazilian Cerrado. COPEIA 2008(1): 23–38.

Correo electrónico del autor: Frederico G.R França fgrf@unb.br .

---------------------

Ecology of Anolis nitens brasiliensis in Cerrado Woodlands of Cantão

Abstract.-- We studied the ecology of Anolis nitens brasiliensis during late-dry and early-wet season 2005 in a Cerrado habitat in Tocantins state, Brazil. Most lizards were found on tree trunks or leaf litter in non-flooded igapó forest. Most were found in shade or filtered sun on both cloudy and sunny days. Body temperatures (T_bs) averaged 30.6°C and did not vary among microhabitats. Microhabitats exposed to direct sun consistently reached extremely high temperatures whereas microhabitats in shade or filtered sun provided temperatures throughout the day allowing lizard activity. Nineteen prey categories were found in lizard stomachs, but the diet was dominated by spiders, crickets/grasshoppers, ants, and beetles. Although lizards that ate large prey ate fewer prey, no correlation existed between size or number of prey and lizard body size (SVL). Males were larger in SVL and mass than females, and males had relatively longer hind limbs than females. Females were variable but larger in body width. In general, the ecology of Anolis n. brasiliensis is similar to that of its Amazonian relatives, with the exception that it lives in a more thermally extreme environment and is active at slightly higher T_bs. Ecological traits of this lizard, particularly its reliance on relatively low T_b for activity, suggest that it might be particularly vulnerable to local extinction if its habitat is altered. The presence and apparent widespread distribution of A. n. brasiliensis in the Cerrado provides further evidence that the “vanishing refuge” theory cannot account for geographical patterns of distribution in the A. nitens complex.

Cita / Citation: Vitt, L.J., Shepard, D.B., Vieira, G.H.C., Caldwell, J.P., Colli, G.R., and Mesquita , D.O. (2008) Ecology of Anolis Nitens Brasiliensis in Cerrado Woodlands of Cantão. COPEIA 2008(1): 144–153.

Correo electrónico del autor: Laurie J. Vitt vitt@ou.edu

Bufo anderssoni synonym of Rhaebo guttatus

The taxonomic status of Rhaebo anderssoni (Melin, 1941) (Anura: Bufonidae)

Abstract.-- Bufo anderssoni Melin, 1941 is synonymised with Rhaebo guttatus (Schneider, 1799) based on direct comparison of the holotypes of both and fresh material. All characters of the former fall within the intraspecific variation of R. guttatus. The few characters used in the original description to distinguish anderssoni from guttatus (narrower interorbital space, smaller tympanum and smaller size) are not considered important interspecific differences, but rather dependent on ontogenetic development.

Cita / Citation: Barrio-Amorós, C. L. & Castroviejo-Fisher, S. (2007) The taxonomic status of Rhaebo anderssoni (Melin, 1941) (Anura: Bufonidae). Salamandra 43(4): 250-253.

Correos electrónicos de los autores: Cesar L. Barrio-Amoros cesarlba@yahoo.com, Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher santiago.castroviejo@ebc.uu.se.

Stress in Invasive Cane Toads

Invasion, stress, and spinal arthritis in cane toads

Abstract.-- The impact of invasive species on biodiversity has attracted considerable study, but impacts of the invasion process on the invaders themselves remain less clear. Invading species encounter conditions different from those in their ancestral habitats and are subject to intense selection for rapid dispersal. The end result may be significant stress on individual organisms, with consequent health problems. Our studies on invasive cane toads in Australia reveal severe spinal arthritis in c. 10% of large adult toads, associated with the same factors (large body size, frequent movement, and relatively long legs) that have enabled toads to invade so rapidly across the Australian tropics.

Cita / Citation: Brown, G. P., Shilton, C., Phillips, B. L. & Shine, R. (2007) Invasion, stress, and spinal arthritis in cane toads. PNAS 104(45). 10.1073/pnas.0705057104

Autor a quien correspondencia debe ser dirigida: Richard Shine rics@bio.usyd.edu.au

Enlace al Abstract (acceso gratis a la publicación completa en paises de Latinoamerica):
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/104/45/17698

Underestimation of Species Richness in Neotropical Frogs

Underestimation of Species Richness in Neotropical Frogs Revealed by mtDNA Analyses

Abstract.-- Background. Amphibians are rapidly vanishing. At the same time, it is most likely that the number of amphibian species is highly underestimated. Recent DNA barcoding work has attempted to define a threshold between intra- and inter-specific genetic distances to help identify candidate species. In groups with high extinction rates and poorly known species boundaries, like amphibians, such tools may provide a way to rapidly evaluate species richness. Methodology. Here we analyse published and new 16S rDNA sequences from 60 frog species of Amazonia-Guianas to obtain a minimum estimate of the number of undescribed species in this region. We combined isolation by distance, phylogenetic analyses, and comparison of molecular distances to evaluate threshold values for the identification of candidate species among these frogs. Principal Findings. In most cases, geographically distant populations belong to genetically highly distinct lineages that could be considered as candidate new species. This was not universal among the taxa studied and thus widespread species of Neotropical frogs really do exist, contrary to previous assumptions. Moreover, the many instances of paraphyly and the wide overlap between distributions of inter- and intra-specific distances reinforce the hypothesis that many cryptic species remain to be described. In our data set, pairwise genetic distances below 0.02 are strongly correlated with geographical distances. This correlation remains statistically significant until genetic distance is 0.05, with no such relation thereafter. This suggests that for higher distances allopatric and sympatric cryptic species prevail. Based on our analyses, we propose a more inclusive pairwise genetic distance of 0.03 between taxa to target lineages that could correspond to candidate species. Conclusions. Using this approach, we identify 129 candidate species, two-fold greater than the 60 species included in the current study. This leads to estimates of around 170 to 460 frog taxa unrecognized in Amazonia-Guianas. Significance. As a consequence the global amphibian decline detected especially in the Neotropics may be worse than realised.

Cita / Citation: Fouquet, A., Gilles, A., Vences, M., Marty, C., Blanc, M. & Gemmellet, N. J. (2007) Underestimation of Species Richness in Neotropical Frogs Revealed by mtDNA Analyses. PLoS ONE 2(10): e1109. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001109

Acceso libre al artículo y al pdf / Open access to the article and its pdf: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0001109

<<PLoS ONE (eISSN-1932-6203) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication. PLoS ONE welcomes reports on primary research from any scientific discipline. PLoS ONE is published by the Public Library of Science (PLoS), a nonprofit organization. PLoS ONE's start-up phase is supported by a grant from the Open Society Institute.>>

Cochranella erminea sp. nov.

Cochranella erminea, a new species of Centrolenidae (Amphibia: Anura: Athesphatanura) from Amazonian Peru)

Abstract.--We describe a new species of Centrolenidae, Cochranella erminea n. sp., from the Amazonian lowlands of the department of Junín, Peru. This new species is diagnosed from other centrolenids by having vomerine teeth, bones green in life, parietal peritoneum and pericardium white, all other visceral peritonea clear, dorsum in life viridian to olive green with abundant enameled (bright white) flecks/spots on flat warts, and scattered larger dark blue spots on warts, extensive webbing between outer fingers, snout in profile slightly sloping anteroventraly, and rounded in dorsal view, iris in life between light grey and slate gray with fine darker gray reticulations. We also present new information on the distribution of C. truebae and C. ametarsia in Peru..

Cita / Citation: Torres-Gastello, C.P., J. Suarez-Segovia, J. & D.F. Cisneros-Heredia. 2007. Cochranella erminea, a new species of Centrolenidae (Amphibia: Anura: Athesphatanura) from Amazonian Peru. Journal of the National Museum (Prague), Natural History Series 176 (1): 1-12.

Mas información: http://www.cisneros-heredia.org/public

Nymphargus new genus

Revision of the characters of Centrolenidae (Amphibia: Anura: Athesphatanura), with comments on its taxonomy and the description of new taxa of glassfrogs

Abstract.--Anurans of the family Centrolenidae are a diverse clade of arboreal frogs distributed across tropical America. Knowledge of their taxonomy, systematics, ecology, behavior, morphology, and other evolutionary aspects of their biology is deficient. Relationships among centrolenid species remain largely unresolved, with no satisfactory phylogenetic hypothesis, and none of the current genera has compelling evidence of monophyly. Further, understanding the phylogeny of glassfrogs is constrained by species-level taxonomic problems, including incorrect description of characters, incomplete analyses of intraspecific variation, and lack of appreciation of species diversity. Herein, we define and analyze the 23 characters that are useful, in combination, in diagnosing centrolenid species, and thereby provide a reference for the use of future workers. We propose revised classifications for the parietal and visceral peritoneal pigmentation, liver form and coloration of its associated hepatic peritoneum, nuptial excrescences, and hand ornamentation. We comment on the generic and species-level taxonomy of Centrolenidae, proposing the recognition of a new genus and describing a new species from Ecuador. We treat Hyla ocellifera Boulenger as a synonym of Centrolene prosoblepon (Boettger), Hyalinobatrachium cardiacalyptum McCranie & Wilson as a synonym of Hyalinobatrachium chirripoi (Taylor), and Hyalinobatrachium crybetes McCranie and Wilson as a synonym of Hyalinobatrachium colymbiphyllum (Taylor). We also present an annotated list of the species of glassfrogs from the Republic of Ecuador with some distributional remarks.

Resumen.--Los anuros de la familia Centrolenidae forman un clado diverso de ranas arbóreas distribuidas a lo largo de América tropical. El conocimiento sobre su taxonomía, sistemática, ecología, comportamiento, morfología y otros aspectos biológicos y evolutivos es deficiente. Las relaciones entre las especies de centrolénidos permanecen ampliamente sin resolver, sin hipótesis filogenéticas satisfactorias y todos los géneros actuales tienen evidencia clara de su no-monofília. Más aún, el entendimiento de la filogenia de las ranas de cristal está limitado por problemas taxonómicos al nivel de especies, incluyendo la descripción incorrecta de caracteres, análisis incompletos de la variación intraespecífica y la falta de apreciación de la diversidad de especies. En este trabajo, nosotro definimos y analizamos los 23 caracteres que son útiles, en combinación, para diagnosticar todas las especies de centrolénidos, proveyendo una referencia para el uso de futuros investigadores. Proponemos clasificaciones revisadas para la pigmentación de los peritoneos parietal y visceral, la forma del hígado y la coloración del peritoneo hepático asociado, las excrescencias nupciales y las ornamentaciones manuales. Comentamos sobre la taxonomía a nivel genérico y específico de Centrolenidae, proponiendo el reconocimiento de un nuevo género y la descripción de una nueva especie de Ecuador. Colocamos a Hyla ocellifera Boulenger como un sinónimo de Centrolene prosoblepon (Boettger); a Hyalinobatrachium cardiacalyptum McCranie & Wilson como sinónimo de Hyalinobatrachium chirripoi (Taylor); y a Hyalinobatrachium crybetes McCranie and Wilson como sinónimo de Hyalinobatrachium colymbiphyllum (Taylor). Presentamos una lista anotada de las especies de ranas de cristal de la República del Ecuador con algunos comentarios sobre su distribución.

Cita / Citation: Cisneros-Heredia, D. F. & R. W McDiarmid. 2007. Revision of the characters of Centrolenidae (Amphibia: Anura: Athesphatanura), with comments on its taxonomy and the description of new taxa of glassfrogs. Zootaxa 1572: 1-82.

Descargar el pdf de este artículo: HAZ CLICK AQUI
Mas información: http://www.cisneros-heredia.org/public

Centrolene durrellorum sp. nov.

A new species of glassfrog of the genus Centrolene from the foothills of Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador (Anura: Centrolenidae)

Abstract.--A new species of frog of the family Centrolenidae is described from Ecuador, Centrolene durrellorum sp. nov. This new taxon is the first species of the genus Centrolene known to inhabit the central and southern foothills of the Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. The new species is diagnosed from other centrolenid taxa by its moderate body size (25.7–26.1 mm adult males), uniform coloration (green in life, pale lavender in preservative), rounded snout in dorsal and lateral views, presence of medium-sized straight humeral spines with a moderate spiny point in adult males and absence of guanophores on the visceral peritonea.

Cita / Citation: Cisneros-Heredia, D. F. 2007. A new species of glassfrog of the genus Centrolene
from the foothills of Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. Herpetozoa 20 (1/2): 27-34.

Mas información: http://www.cisneros-heredia.org/public

Cochranella buenaventura sp. nov.

A NEW SPECIES OF GLASSFROG (CENTROLENIDAE) FROM THE SOUTHERN ANDEAN FOOTHILLS ON THE WEST ECUADORIAN REGION

Abstract.--Cochranella buenaventura sp. nov. is described from the southern foothills of the Cordillera Occidental, Andes of Ecuador. The new species inhabits the Seasonal Foothill Evergreen forests of the province of El Oro, in the West Ecuadorian biogeographic region. This species is distinguished from other species of glassfrogs by having a truncate snout in dorsal and lateral views, reduced webbing between fingers, absence of guanophores on the digestive visceral peritonea, but present on the renal capsule, absence of humeral spine, green dorsum in life with scattered pale yellow spots, bright yellow hands and feet discs, and moderate body size (20.9-22.4 mm snout-vent length in adult males).

Cita / Citation: Cisneros-Heredia, D. F. & M. H. Yánez-Muñoz. 2007. A NEW SPECIES OF GLASSFROG (CENTROLENIDAE) FROM THE SOUTHERN ANDEAN FOOTHILLS ON THE WEST ECUADORIAN REGION. South American Journal of Herpetology 2(1): 1-10.

Mas información: http://www.cisneros-heredia.org/public