Phylogenetic systematics, ecology, and conservation of marsupial frogs (Anura: Hemiphractidae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador, with descriptions of four new biphasic species

Abstract

We review the systematics of the species of Gastrotheca (Anura: Hemiphractidae) in the highlands of the southern Ecuadorian Andes. We analyzed phylogenetic, morphological, ecological, and acoustic data from populations in the region. We provide an updated phylogenetic hypothesis inferred from a database that contains 42 species of Gastrotheca, and sequences from mitochondrial (12S, 16S, and ND1) and nuclear (POMC and RAG-1) genes. We describe four new endemic biphasic species for Ecuador (Gastrotheca cuencana, G. elicioi, G. turnerorum, and G. yacuri). In addition, we redefine G. lojana, recently resurrected from the synonymy of G. monticola, and redescribe G. litonedis. Furthermore, we describe the tadpoles and ontogenetic color changes in six species (G. cuencana, G. elicioi, G. litonedis, G. lojana, G. pseustes, and G. turnerorum). Also, we describe the calls of seven species (G. cuencana, G. elicioi, G. litonedis, G. lojana, G. pseustes, G. testudinea, and G. yacuri). The phylogenetic relationships estimated here are congruent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses for the group, except for the placement of G. galeata, G. plumbea, G. orophylax, G. nicefori, and G. griswoldi. Because most sister species in Gastrotheca are allopatric, the evolutionarly scenarios that likely have intervened in shaping the diversity are the uplift of the Andes and the formation of cross-Andean river valleys, which probably promoted conditions that acted as dispersal barriers that led to speciation. Many species of Gastrotheca (44%) are highly threatened. Most monophasic species have not been seen since the late 1980s, whereas the highland biphasic species have survived the catastrophic events that led to the disappearance of many other sympatric anurans. Research and conservation actions are urgently needed for all surviving species treated herein, five of which are either Critically Endangered or Endangered because of their restricted distributions (10–1600 km2), habitat destruction and fragmentation, climate change, and pathogens. Two of the new species, G. cuencana, and G. elicioi, mostly are known from the cities of Cuenca and Loja, respectively, where urbanization threatens their survival. In order to call attention to conservation issues, we name one new species to refer to the Yacuri National Park, and the other three in honor of the people from Cuenca, the Turner family, and Elicio E. Tapia, whose actions are helping to halt amphibian extinctions.

Fifty years after: A taxonomic revision of the amphibian species from the Ecuadorian biodiversity hotspot Abra de Zamora, with description of two new Pristimantis species

“…lojana in parenthesis): distinct dark canthal stripes present (absent), groin and anterior and posterior surfaces of the thighs slightly mottled (heavily mottled), and the dark bars on the limbs, when present, are shorter, thinner and less defined than in G . lojana [ 58 ]. However, the unique advertisement call of G .…”

“…Despite our intensive searches, we did not find G. lojana, the other species reported from the area. Based on morphological characters, G. elicioi can be difficult to distinguish from G. lojana, the main differences being the color pattern (characters of G. lojana in parenthesis): distinct dark canthal stripes present (absent), groin and anterior and posterior surfaces of the thighs slightly mottled (heavily mottled), and the dark bars on the limbs, when present, are shorter, thinner and less defined than in G. lojana [58]. However, the unique advertisement call of G. elicioi (the long, pulsed notes are produced after the short ones, whereas the other Southern Ecuadorian Gastrotheca species tend to produce the long, pulsed notes before the short ones) make it very easy to detect and identify.…”

Red List assessment of amphibian species of Ecuador: A multidimensional approach for their conservation

“…We consider it as a key step in improving the protocol for Red List assessment in the effort to validate the taxonomic and spatial database. Ecological modeling was performed using all available data points along the known distributional range for nominal species, and as such included historical records, identifying and avoiding species complexes, and candidate new species based on phylogenetic evidence [36,37,40,42,[82][83][84][85]. Although experts participated in the evaluation of the current status, the risk of extinction of species may be higher than assessed, due to the decline in their historical distribution range over time, as well as limitations on our understanding of population dynamics and ecological interactions [10,86].…”

“…We followed the nomenclature proposed by Grant et al [30], Guayasamin et al [31], Castroviejo-Fisher et al [32], Hedges et al [33] for Strabomantidae; all other taxa groups follow The Amphibian Species of the World [15]. Records from outside Ecuador were analyzed, error-checked, and improved with the same level of accuracy as the records from inside Ecuador [34], through a taxonomic assessment of specimens in scientific collections, validation of records based on biogeographic distribution, phylogenetics, taxonomic analyses, photographs published elsewhere [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43], a systematic literature review, and by discussions with 33 expert herpetologist from all over the country, including the authors of this paper, held during eight workshops between 2017 and 2020. Workshop participants were distributed on boards according to taxonomic families and geographic regions.…”

“…Amidst a general trend of loss of biodiversity, some amphibian taxa (i.e. Atelopus, Telmatobius) show a phylogenetic vulnerability to anthropogenetic driven change and/or emerging diseases, most likely as a result of a combination of their distinctive life-history traits and immune constraints [23,40,[68][69][70][71]. Because they contribute uniquely to the functioning of their communities, the loss of such species is especially worrisome as it is expected to have a disproportionate impact on the stability of local ecosystems, beyond their taxonomic loss [10].…”