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Based on a recent molecular phylogenetic study, the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon (subfamily Microhylinae) currently comprises of 12 valid species that are largely restricted to India and Sri Lanka. Considering the revised generic-level status of its various members, here we review the taxonomy of all known species in this genus and clarify...
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Mountain chains and rivers are often found to represent barriers promoting vicariant differentiation in terrestrial vertebrates. Previous studies have supported the idea that the Cordillera de Mérida (CM), the easternmost branch of the Northern Andes, represents a geographic barrier for vertebrates, including frogs. Previous studies have also sugge...
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... Using standard literature (Smith 1935(Smith , 1943Dutta 1997;Daniel 2002;Das 2002;Whitaker and Captain 2004;Frost 2022;Mathew and Sen 2010), the amphibians and reptiles found were recognised up to species level. More recent taxonomic literature (Ganesh et al. 2017;Garg et al. 2018;Gowande et al. 2021;Lajmi et al. 2016;Mallik et al. 2020;Paira and Ray 2022) was consulted and the species name followed accordingly. The conservation status was assessed using the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2022) and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972). ...
The Gangetic plain of India is one of the most intensively farmed lands in the world. This study examined the species composition of the herpetofaunal community in Haripal, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, located within the Gangetic Delta's plain of eastern India. A total of 32 species (10 amphibians, 22 reptiles) belonging to 23 genera (7 amphibian, 16 reptile), 13 families (4 amphibian, 9 reptile), and two orders (1 amphibian, 1 reptile) were recorded. Among the amphibians, the highest number of species (5) was recorded in the family Dicroglossidae, while the Colubridae family was represented by a maximum of 7 species among the reptiles. All of the recorded species except Varanus flavescens (Hardwicke and Gray, 1827) are listed as Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List. Varanus flavescens has been declared as Endangered (EN). Among the recorded species, one species is included in Schedule I, 6 species in Schedule II, and 13 species are listed in Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This report provides baseline data on herpetofaunal community composition in the Haripal block for the first time. The study area is rich in herpeto-faunal diversity. This study also emphasises the necessity of holistic conservation strategies in the study area and the demand for additional studies to explore the country's biodiversity beyond the protected areas.
... The two Uperodon species occur in sympatry as their distribution range in the Indian subcontinent overlaps [52,53], although in the central Indian landscape U. systoma is rare and U. globulosus is uncommon [33]. They surface only for explosive breeding during the pre-monsoonal showers in the months of June and July [52][53][54]. These two species are highly elusive and fossorial, which makes them difficult to sample [54]. ...
... They surface only for explosive breeding during the pre-monsoonal showers in the months of June and July [52][53][54]. These two species are highly elusive and fossorial, which makes them difficult to sample [54]. The males of both species produce advertisement calls while floating on the surface of shallow temporary rainwater puddles and pools ( [33,54] ; Fig. 4). ...
... These two species are highly elusive and fossorial, which makes them difficult to sample [54]. The males of both species produce advertisement calls while floating on the surface of shallow temporary rainwater puddles and pools ( [33,54] ; Fig. 4). ...
Background: Most amphibians use a repertoire of acoustic signals to propagate signals in social contexts. The description of these repertoires provides a key towards the understanding of the behaviour of individuals and the evolutionary functions of calls. Here, we assessed the variations in advertisement calls within and between two fossorial sympatric species, Uperodon systoma and Uperodon globulosus, that share their breeding season and breeding sites. For each species, we applied Beecher’s index of total information capacity (HS) for the individual vocal signature, determined the difference in call properties and demonstrated the segregation in the calling microhabitat niche between the two species.
Results: Our results demonstrated that the advertisement calls of U. systoma are pulsatile with a call rate of 3.00 ± 0.97 calls per second while those of U. globulosus are not pulsatile with a lower call rate of 0.53 ± 0.22 calls per second. For both species, the variations in call properties among individuals was higher than that within individual, a pattern consistent with that of other fossorial anurans. The body condition and air temperature did not significantly impact the call properties of either species. The outcome of the Beecher’s index (HS) showed that the calls of U. systoma can be used to identify 14 different individuals and the calls of U. globulosus can be used to identify 26 different individuals. The statistical analyses on the advertisement call of the two species showed a significant difference in the temporal properties as the call duration, and fall time and rise time were significantly different between the two species. Lastly, we successfully demonstrated that there is a clear segregation in calling site microhabitat between the two species, where U. globulosus calls floating close to the bank of the waterbody while U. systoma calls floating further away from the bank.
Conclusion: This study highlights the potential for pre-mating isolation, character displacement and assortative mating in two syntopic fossorial anurans, leading to association between acoustic, calling microhabitat niche and body index divergence as important behavioural and ecological traits.
Keywords: Acoustic segregation — microhabitat partitioning — assortative mating — individual vocal distinctiveness— sympatric species — syntopic species — vocal behaviour — behavioural ecology
... T he authorship of the microhylid nomina Ramanella and Ramanella symbiotica, now considered junior synonyms of Uperodon Duméril and Bibron 1841 and U. variegatus (Stoliczka 1872) ( Fig. 1), has been attributed in various ways. A number of authors (including but not limited to Parker 1934;Duellman and Trueb 1994;Chanda and Deuti 1997;Dubois 2005;Frost et al. 2006;de Silva et al. 2008;Dinesh and Radhakrislinan 2009;Ukuwela et al. 2010;Harpalani et al. 2015;Peloso et al. 2016;Garg et al. 2018;BioNames 2022;Frost 2022;GBIF 2022) have attributed both the genus Ramanella and its type species to the joint authorship of Ramanna 1925. Interestingly, Srinivasulu et al. (2006) attributed the authorship of the genus Ramanella (and the type-species) to Rao and Ramanna 1926, immediately afterward giving the date "1925" used by other authors in quotation marks, suggesting that these authors considered the work to have been published in 1926 instead of 1925. ...
... However, a large number of his types (19 species; deposited in the Central College, Bangalore) are lost (Dubois 1984;Biju 2001). Seventeen of Rao's species currently are recognised as valid; nine of these have had their name-bearing type status stabilised through designation of neotype specimens (e.g., Bossuyt and Dubois 2001;Biju et al. 2011Biju et al. , 2014aBiju et al. , 2014bGarg et al. 2018). Similarly, the fate of Rao's bufonid species has remained precarious: (1) Bufo brevirostris Rao, 1937 was described based on a single specimen from "Kempholey, Hassan District, Mysore State," which subsequently was reported to be lost (Dubois 1984;Biju 2001). ...
... Among the focal taxa of our study, D. brevirostris was nested in the Duttaphrynus melanostictus group, with high support for the recovered phylogenetic position, whereas D. peninsularis and D. stomaticus were recovered in the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group with variably-supported relationships (weak or high) in the ML and BI analyses. The genetic differentiation at the species level, based on an expanded mitochondrial 16S rRNA dataset, however, is relatively shallow as compared to other wide-ranging anuran groups in South Asia, such as dicroglossids, microhylids, ranids, and rhacophorids (Biju et al. 2014b(Biju et al. , 2020Vijaykumar et al. 2014;Dinesh et al. 2015;Garg and Biju 2017;Garg et al. 2018Garg et al. , 2019. The maximum intraspecific divergence within the recognised or putative species reaches up to 2.1% in the Duttaphrynus melanostictus group (Fig. 3B; Suppl. ...
We rediscovered two species of toads, Bufo stomaticus peninsularis and Bufo brevirostris , which were described from Peninsular India 84 and 101 years ago, respectively, but have not been reported since. Because the name-bearing types of both species are either damaged or lost, we provide detailed redescriptions, morphological comparisons, and insights into phylogenetic relationships with closely related members of the genus Duttaphrynus sensu lato, based on new material from the type locality of each species. We clarify and validate the identity of D. brevirostris , which was rediscovered from multiple localities in the Malenadu and adjoining coastal regions of Karnataka. We also demonstrate that Bufo stomaticus peninsularis , which was considered a synonym of Duttaphrynus scaber , is a distinct species. Bufo stomaticus peninsularis differs from Duttaphrynus scaber morphologically and genetically, and is more closely related to members of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group. We also clarify the identity of the namesake species of the Duttaphrynus stomaticus group, which is reported widely in India and neighbouring countries, but lacks sufficient taxonomic information due to its brief original description and reportedly untraceable type material. We located and studied the complete syntype series of D. stomaticus , probably for the first time in over a century, and we report on the status of available specimens, provide detailed description of a potential type, compare it to related species, and clarify the species’ geographical range. Our molecular analyses suggest that D. stomaticus is minimally divergent from, and possibly conspecific with, D. olivaceus . Our analyses also clarify its relationship to the closely-related D. peninsularis comb. nov. , with which it was previously confused. Finally, our study provides other insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic differentiation among various species of Duttaphrynus toads.
... The phylogenetic analysis based on 16s gene identified the two species of microhylid genus U perodon ( Figure 28). U perodon samples from eastern Nepal were 91% similar based on 16S data with the type series of U. taprobanicus (MG557966), from Karnataka, India (Garg et al., 2018) and the uncorrelated genetic divergence between them were 0.9%. U. taprobanicus was the sister taxon to U. conjuncta (AY326064) from Philippines (KM247362) and U. pulchra (KC822614), China and the uncorrelated genetic divergence between them was 8.7% and 9.2% respectively. ...
... bootstrap support value) was genetically similar with U. systoma (MG557949), Tamil Nadu, India (Garg et al., 2018). However, the uncorrelated genetic divergence between them were 2.2%. ...
Amphibians are declining worldwide. At the same time, each year many species of amphibians are described, indicating that biological diversity on Earth remains poorly understood. This is especially true for mountainous regions, such as the Himalayas, which are also regarded as a biodiversity hotspot. However, it is most likely that the current diversity of amphibians in Nepal is highly underestimated. Amphibian inventories by the past researchers primarily used phenotypic characters as the basis for species identification. However, the application of molecular systematics methods to taxonomic studies has successfully uncovered the taxonomic status of several cryptic taxa. This study used both molecular (16S rDNA sequences) and morphological comparisons and estimated the diversity of amphibians from Nepal. This study reports the occurrence of 38 species of amphibians based on both molecular and morphological comparisons. Among them, three species were recorded for the first time in Nepal. This study also invalids the taxonomic status of Sphaerotheca paschima. This study highlights the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches that help to resolve the current taxonomic ambiguities of Nepalese amphibians.
... Indian subcontinent has vast geographical diversity. While most of the geographical regions are extensively explored for the biological diversity, the coastal and marine habitats need to be focused on this account [1][2][3] . Gujarat shares longest coastline of the country and it's a hidden treasure of the microbial diversity as well as bioactive compounds 4,5 . ...
... In his review of Asian microhylid taxa, Parker only focused on the most variable parts of the skeleton (such as the palatine region and pectoral girdle), but description of generalized osteology generally was not included (Parker 1934). In recent years skeletal morphology of only a few species in Microhylinae has been described in substantial detail, including the genus Uperodon (Chandramouli and Dutta 2015;Garg et al. 2018), Kaloula borealis (Boring and Liu 1937;Zhang et al. 2020), and Glyphoglossus guttulatus (McPartlin 2010). ...
The genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 includes 52 species and is one of the most diverse genera of the family Microhylidae, being the most species-rich taxon of the Asian subfamily Microhylinae. The recent, rapid description of numerous new species of Microhyla with complex phylogenetic relationships has made the taxonomy of the group especially challenging. Several recent phylogenetic studies suggested paraphyly of Microhyla with respect to Glyphoglossus Günther, 1869, and revealed three major phylogenetic lineages of mid-Eocene origin within this assemblage. However, comprehensive works assessing morphological variation among and within these lineages are absent. In the present study we investigate the generic taxonomy of Microhyla–Glyphoglossus assemblage based on a new phylogeny including 57 species, comparative morphological analysis of skeletons from cleared-and-stained specimens for 23 species, and detailed descriptions of generalized osteology based on volume-rendered micro-CT scans for five species–altogether representing all major lineages within the group. The results confirm three highly divergent and well-supported clades that correspond with external and osteological morphological characteristics, as well as respective geographic distribution. Accordingly, acknowledging ancient divergence between these lineages and their significant morphological differentiation, we propose to consider these three lineages as distinct genera: Microhyla sensu stricto, Glyphoglossus, and a newly described genus, Nanohyla gen. nov.
... However, unusually high genetic diversity is observed among members of the genus ( Fig. 2; Table 3); the same was also discussed previously based on population-level studies of members of the Rohanixalus vittatus group ('Feihyla vittata' group in Aowphol et al. 2013;Yodthong et al. 2014). Hence, additional integrative evidence, especially from bioacoustics and larval morphology, would prove to be useful for species-level differentiation in the genus Rohanixalus (e.g., Aowphol et al. 2013), as shown for other widespread anuran groups in Asia comprising morphologically cryptic species (e.g., Kuramoto et al. 2007;Grosjean & Dubois 2011;Wang et al. 2014;Rowley et al. 2015;Vassilieva et al. 2016;Garg & Biju 2017;Garg et al. 2018Garg et al. , 2019Lyu et al. 2020). ...
The taxonomy of the Asian tree frog genus Feihyla has been in a state of flux ever since its proposal in 2006. Allocation of species to Feihyla remains confusing, particularly with respect to the closely related genus Chirixalus (formerly Chiromantis sensu lato). At the same time, several Chirixalus species are known only from cursory descriptions and
remain poorly studied. In this study, we review the systematics of the genus Feihyla and clarify the generic placement of its members along with all other species currently assigned to Chirixalus. Based on integrative evidence gathered from new collections, examination of types and original descriptions, morphological comparisons, phylogenetic relationships
inferred from a multi-gene (three mitochondrial + two nuclear) 1,937 bp dataset, as well as reproductive modes including egg-laying, nesting behaviour, and clutch morphology, our results show that the six species formerly attributed to Feihyla represent three morphologically and phylogenetically distinct groups: (1) the type species of the genus, F. palpebralis, along with F. fuhua constitute the Feihyla palpebralis group or Feihyla sensu stricto; (2) F. inexpectata and F. kajau represent the Feihyla vittiger group and are closely related to the Feihyla palpebralis group; (3) ‘F. hansenae’ and ‘F. vittata’ constitute another distinct and reciprocally monophyletic lineage, more closely related to Chirixalus + Chiromantis. In light of long-standing taxonomic confusions and unresolved phylogenetic relationships, we propose recognition of a new genus to accommodate ‘F. hansenae’ and ‘F. vittata’ in order to stabilise the classification of several Asian rhacophorid species that have been frequently confused and transferred within the Chirixalus–Chiromantis–Feihyla complex. Based on integrative evidence, eight species previously attributed to the genus Chirixalus or Feihyla are formally transferred to Rohanixalus gen. nov., two Chirixalus members are allocated to Feihyla, and one synonymised with Rhacophorus
bipunctatus. In addition, we report the first member of the tree frog family Rhacophoridae from the Andaman Islands of India—Rohanixalus vittatus, along with description of its male advertisement call, reproductive behaviour including parental care by the female, and larval morphology. Extended distributions are also provided for Rohanixalus species
across Northeast India. The study further reveals the presence of potentially undescribed diversity in the new genus. Altogether, the revised classification and novel insights presented herein will facilitate a better working taxonomy for four phylogenetically distinct but morphologically related groups of Old World tree frogs.
... Cryptic species are deceptive, sometimes having polymorphic morphological characters, which could lead to underestimation or overestimation of species diversity and distribution (Vieites et al. 2009;Funk et al. 2012;Dufresnes et al. 2018). Also, the loss or dis-tortion of type specimens, incomplete descriptions, and lack of (or vague) precise type locality information are some of the major impediments in species identification (Biju et al. 2011;Garg et al. 2018). In the recent past, integrated taxonomic approaches have been applied successfully to resolve the problems associated with the identification of cryptic species (Vieites et al. 2009;Padial et al. 2010;Vijayakumar et al. 2014;Dinesh et al. 2015;Dufresnes et al. 2018;Vijayakumar et al. 2019). ...
Frogs of the genus Minervarya are cryptic and widely distributed in South Asia. However, many of them lack information
about the precise type locality, genetic data, and distribution range. The present study aimed to examine the genetic
affinities of a widely distributed species Minervarya syhadrensis around its type locality in the northern Western Ghats
(Pune, Maharashtra). We studied the type specimen of M. syhadrensis and collected similar sized Minervarya frogs
from Pune district. In the field, we observed two different calls from morphologically similar (M. syhadrensis like)
males suggesting the sympatric occurrence of two cryptic species (that we initially named Minervarya species A and
Minervarya species B). We analyzed morphology, call pattern, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequence of both
species. Minervarya species A has a long call with a low pulse repetition rate and higher dominant frequency compared to
that of the Minervarya species B. These species cannot be differentiated based on morphometric data. However, they can
be sorted out using morphological characters such as the presence of longitudinal skin folds on the dorsal side (Minervarya
species A) and differences in foot webbing. DNA sequences of Minervarya species A and Minervarya species B are
matching with those of M. caperata and M. agricola respectively. After studying the type specimens of M. syhadrensis
and M. caperata, we found morphological similarities (longitudinal skin folds) with the samples of Minervarya species
A collected during the present study. Based on the results of our study (morphology and genetic) and available literature,
we propose to redefine M. syhadrensis as applying to the lineage initially named Minervarya species A, and to treat the
species M. caperata as a junior synonym of M. syhadrensis. Our study will be helpful in further taxonomic revision of the
genus, and provides natural history information for M. syhadrensis and M. agricola.
... Seen breeding in temporary rainwater puddles in agricultural fields and grasslands in July. U. globulosus is widely distributed in Central India and has earlier been reported from Jabalpur (Garg et al. 2018a). (Fig 4M) ...
... Its explosive breeding lasted only for few days at the onset of monsoon in early July. Formerly recorded from Gwalior and Seoni districts in Madhya Pradesh (Chandra & Gajbe 2005;Garg et al. 2018a). (Fig 4N) Specimen examined: one female (WIIAD 291). ...
We present a comprehensive inventory of amphibians from Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh based on morphological, molecular and bioacoustic data. Representatives of 15 anuran species were collected, corresponding to roughly four fifths of the known amphibian species of Madhya Pradesh. The main results of this study are: (1) Description of advertisement calls of eleven species, including the first-time description of advertisement calls of Sphaerotheca pashchima. (2) Identification of cryptic species using acoustic and molecular techniques. (3) Five new significant range extensions and new state records. (4) Description of geographical variation in call properties in three anuran species. This study also provides morphological descriptions with ecological and natural history notes for each species that may be useful in management planning for amphibian conservation in Panna Tiger Reserve.
