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Morphological colour variations across the populations of Sphaerotheca pashchima in the Indian subcontinent. A. Belgaum (CESF2849); B. Panna Tiger Reserve; C. Chitradurga (ZSI/WRC/A/2258); D. Chitradurga (ZSI/WRC/A/2257); E. Yawal (ZSI/WRC/A/2237A); F. Yawal (ZSI/WRC/A/2237B); G. Delhi; H. Delhi.
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In a recent study, Hortal et al. (2015) recognized seven shortfalls of knowledge that hamper our understanding of biodiversity. Three of these are of particular importance for drawing conservation strategies for ecological indicator species, among which we can count the amphibians (Simon et al. 2011): the Linnean shortfall describes ‘the knowledge...
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Context 1
... (2017). Genetically all our collections could be assigned to 'pashchima clade' (Fig. 1) confirming the identity of these burrowing frogs as S. pashchima. The S. pashchima specimens used in the current studies were represented from the foothills of Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Deccan plateau. As the populations of S. pashchima show variation (Fig. 2 of Dahanukar et al. 2017) in colour and dorsal colour pattern (Fig. 2, here) locally, we confirm the range of distribution primarily based on genetic studies. The northern limit of range of distribution for S. pashchima is Dehradun (Fig. 3), Uttarakhand; eastern limit is region around the Panna Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh (Fig. 3) ...
Context 2
... clade' (Fig. 1) confirming the identity of these burrowing frogs as S. pashchima. The S. pashchima specimens used in the current studies were represented from the foothills of Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Deccan plateau. As the populations of S. pashchima show variation (Fig. 2 of Dahanukar et al. 2017) in colour and dorsal colour pattern (Fig. 2, here) locally, we confirm the range of distribution primarily based on genetic studies. The northern limit of range of distribution for S. pashchima is Dehradun (Fig. 3), Uttarakhand; eastern limit is region around the Panna Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh (Fig. 3) of central India; southern range is around Chitradurga in Deccan plateau and ...
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Courtship acoustic displays in anuran amphibians are energetically costly and risky, but have a major role in mating success since they encode relevant information regarding the caller’s identity and status. Age and size are essential traits shaping fitness, reproductive success and life-history strategies, and thus are expected to also have a role...
Citations
... Khatiwada et al. (2021) treated Sphaerotheca pashchima Padhye, Dahanukar, Sulakhe, Dandekar, Limaye and Jamdade, 2017 as a junior synonym of Sphaerotheca maskeyi based on the similarity between the genetic sequences of the species. Now, S. maskeyi is known to be one of the most widely distributed species in the genus and is found across India Dandekar et al. 2020;Deepak et al. 2020b), Pakistan (Jablonski et al. 2021) and Nepal (Khatiwada et al. 2021). ...
... BMNH-Natural History Museum, London, ZSI-Zoological Survey of India; ZSI/WRC/A-Zoological Survey of India/Western Regional Centre/Amphibia. For comparisons morphometric data were taken from the published literature of Padhye et al. (2017), Dahanukar et al. (2017), Prasad et al. (2019) and Deepak et al. (2020a and2020b). ...
... With the addition of genetic data in recent studies Padhye et al. 2017;Prasad et al. 2019;Deepak et al. 2020a;Dandekar et al. 2020;Deepak et al. 2020b;Khatiwada et al. 2021;Jablonski et al. 2021), there is a better understanding of the taxonomy and distribution of the valid species in the genus. All the species designated on the phylogenetic tree were confirmed with two or more sequences from or around the type locality of the respective species. ...
Recent resolution of prevailing taxonomic ambiguities in the genus Sphaerotheca and new species discoveries from urban/suburban landscapes highlight the need for attention to non-forested habitats for amphibian conservation. In this paper, we review the status of the members of the genus Sphaerotheca and justify the synonymy of Sphaerotheca magadha as a junior synonym of Sphaerotheca swani. The prospects of resurrection of Sphaerotheca swani (herein preliminarily referred to as Sphaerotheca cf. breviceps [swani]) are discussed. In addition, we describe a new species Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. from the suburban region of Bengaluru, India. We employ an integrative taxonomic approach to characterize the new species using molecular phylogeny, genetic distance, morphological characters, and geographical isolation as lines of evidence. We also provide a description of vocal repertoire of Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. and provide comparative bioacoustics data for four species. This previously undescribed species from the suburban areas of Bengaluru described herein as Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. forms a genetically divergent lineage and its genetic distance varied from 3.6% to 12.2% for 16S rRNA with respect to other species of Sphaerotheca. Our phylogenetic analysis for the genus including the new species confirms the synonymy of one recently described species, resulting in 10 valid species in the genus Sphaerotheca. These results emphasize the need for utilizing an integrative taxonomic approach for uncovering hidden diversity of suburban areas. Given these recent discoveries, we advocate for more robust surveys in human dominated areas, so that these amphibians may receive more attention.
Key words: Bengaluru city, Burrowing frogs, Deccan Plateau, new species, bioacoustics, suburban, synonymy
... Khatiwada et al. (2021) treated Sphaerotheca pashchima Padhye, Dahanukar, Sulakhe, Dandekar, Limaye and Jamdade, 2017 as a junior synonym of Sphaerotheca maskeyi based on the similarity between the genetic sequences of the species. Now, S. maskeyi is known to be one of the most widely distributed species in the genus and is found across India Dandekar et al. 2020;Deepak et al. 2020b), Pakistan (Jablonski et al. 2021) and Nepal (Khatiwada et al. 2021). ...
... BMNH-Natural History Museum, London, ZSI-Zoological Survey of India; ZSI/WRC/A-Zoological Survey of India/Western Regional Centre/Amphibia. For comparisons morphometric data were taken from the published literature of Padhye et al. (2017), Dahanukar et al. (2017), Prasad et al. (2019) and Deepak et al. (2020a and2020b). ...
... With the addition of genetic data in recent studies Padhye et al. 2017;Prasad et al. 2019;Deepak et al. 2020a;Dandekar et al. 2020;Deepak et al. 2020b;Khatiwada et al. 2021;Jablonski et al. 2021), there is a better understanding of the taxonomy and distribution of the valid species in the genus. All the species designated on the phylogenetic tree were confirmed with two or more sequences from or around the type locality of the respective species. ...
Recent resolution of prevailing taxonomic ambiguities in the genus Sphaerotheca and new species discoveries from urban/suburban landscapes highlight the need for attention to non-forested habitats for amphibian conservation. In this paper, we review the status of the members of the genus Sphaerotheca and justify the synonymy of Sphaerotheca magadha as a junior synonym of Sphaerotheca swani. The prospects of resurrection of Sphaerotheca swani (herein preliminarily referred to as Sphaerotheca cf. breviceps [swani]) are discussed. In addition, we describe a new species Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. from the suburban region of Bengaluru, India. We employ an integrative taxonomic approach to characterize the new species using molecular phylogeny, genetic distance, morphological characters, and geographical isolation as lines of evidence. We also provide a description of vocal repertoire of Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. and provide comparative bioacoustics data for four species. This previously undescribed species from the suburban areas of Bengaluru described herein as Sphaerotheca varshaabhu sp. nov. forms a genetically divergent lineage and its genetic distance varied from 3.6% to 12.2% for 16S rRNA with respect to other species of Sphaerotheca. Our phylogenetic analysis for the genus including the new species confirms the synonymy of one recently described species, resulting in 10 valid species in the genus Sphaerotheca. These results emphasize the need for utilizing an integrative taxonomic approach for uncovering hidden diversity of suburban areas. Given these recent discoveries, we advocate for more robust surveys in human dominated areas, so that these amphibians may receive more attention.
... Dubois (1999) also regarded Tomopterna maskeyi to be a provisional synonym of these large-size taxa. Recently, Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study. Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. ...
... Recently, Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study. Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. Khatiwada et al. (2021) demonstrated high similarity between topotypical material of S. maskeyi with name-bearing types of S. pashchima and considered the later name a synonym of T. maskeyi, valid as S. maskeyi. ...
Research on amphibians and their conservation have gained worldwide attention, as the group includes the highest number of threatened and Data Deficient species when compared to other vertebrates. However, amphibians have long been neglected in wildlife conservation, management decisions, policy making, and research agendas in Pakistan. In this paper, an annotated checklist of the 21 amphibian species of Pakistan, a key to their identification, and detailed discussions on variation in species, including the genera Minervarya and Sphaerotheca, are provided. We found a statistically significant difference in the morphometric measurements of males but non-significant difference in the females of the two forms (rusty dorsum and dotted dorsum) of S. maskeyi. Some genera, such as Microhyla, Uperodon, Minervarya, Allopaa, Chrysopaa, Euphlyctis, Nanorana, and Sphaerotheca, in Pakistan are in need of additional data for molecular and morphological comparisons with taxa in other South Asian countries. The predicaments of amphibian research in Pakistan are discussed, gaps identified, and suggestions are made. Although the occurrence of chytrid fungus in Pakistan is predicted of low likelihood, a lack of data merits studying the prevalence of the fungus, particularly in the northern regions of the country which exhibit complex and dynamic ecosystems. It is recommended that systematic and coordinated surveys are conducted throughout the country to build a database of species occurrences and distributions. Additionally, the monitoring of wild populations and threat mitigation, as well as appropriate legislation, are suggested as long-term measures. By adopting an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan, amphibians could be integrated into wildlife conservation and management efforts.
... As a consequence of this, the phylogenetic richness of amphibians is high. In India alone, there are 406 species of frogs (Anurans), 39 known species of caecilians (Gymnophiona) and 2 known species of salamanders (Caudata) 60 . Thirty five species of caecilians are endemic to India, making it a hotspot of caecilian diversity 61 . ...
Chytridiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting amphibians globally and it is caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Chytridiomycosis has caused dramatic declines and even extinctions in wild amphibian populations in Europe, Australia, Central and North America. Spanning over two and a half decades, extensive research has led to discovery of epizootic and enzootic lineages of this pathogen. However, the Bd–amphibian system had garnered less attention in Asia until recently when an ancestral Bd lineage was identified in the Korean peninsula. Amphibians co-exist with the pathogen in Asia, only sub-lethal effects have been documented on hosts. Such regions are ‘coldspots’ of infection and are an important resource to understand the dynamics between the enzootic pathogen—Bd and its obligate host—amphibians. Insights into the biology of infection have provided new knowledge on the multi-faceted interaction of Bd in a hyperdiverse Asian amphibian community. We present the findings and highlight the knowledge gap that exists, and propose the ways to bridge them. We emphasize that chytridiomycosis in Asia is an important wildlife disease and it needs focussed research, as it is a dynamic front of pathogen diversity and virulence.
... The genus originated in the Oriental zoogeographical region and the territory of Pakistan represents the northern-and westernmost limit of the overall range of the genus [2,3]. Sphaerotheca frogs have high species diversity in the Indian subcontinent [4] and, due to descriptions of various taxa, changing taxonomy, and high genetic diversity with an unclear distribution, they are objects of several studies [5][6][7][8]. ...
... Moreover, Pakistan is also known to harbor S. strachani (Murray, 1884) from the type locality Sindh (Mulleer = Malir, near Karachi), with so far, unclear taxonomic status. However, the overall distribution and the diversity of the genus based on genetic data from India and Nepal suggest that the Pakistani populations should not be assigned under previously mentioned taxa [4,5,7,8]. Therefore, we bring the first genetic data of the genus Sphaerotheca from northern Pakistan ( Figure 1) to provide arguments for its genetic affiliation that could resolve the taxonomy. Simultaneously, our most updated and revised phylogeny of the genus provides a novel view on relationships among these frogs with further taxonomic consequences. ...
... These authors also suggested the presence of this taxon in the state of Rajasthan. Recent molecular studies have thus unraveled the long-standing mystery in restricting the distribution range of S. breviceps to the east coastal plains of India [4,7]. However, a new study [8] from the material originating from type localities of two taxa from Nepal (S. maskeyi, S. swani) showed that S. pashchima is conspecific with S. maskeyi and thus this former taxon should be its junior synonym. ...
Heretofore, the populations of the genus Sphaerotheca Günther, 1859 (Dicroglossidae) in their northern and western borders laying in Pakistan have been assigned to two species, S. breviceps (Schneider, 1799) and S. strachani (Murray, 1884). The genus originated in the Oriental zoogeographic region and comes to close geographic proximity with the Palearctic region in Pakistan. The recent molecular studies have on one hand restricted the distribution range of S. breviceps to the eastern coastal plains of India and, on the other hand, revealed the northern- and westernmost population in India as a separate species, S. pashchima Padhye et al., 2017. This species has recently been synonymized with S. maskeyi (Schleich and Anders, 1998). These taxonomic changes, however, warranted the need for validation of Pakistani Sphaerotheca based on genetic data. We sequenced and analyzed 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene from specimens originating from the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan and compared these with all available GenBank sequences of the genus. Based on this data, we conclude that the Himalayan foothills of Pakistan are occupied by S. maskeyi. Simultaneously,
we bring the first record of this species for the Palearctic region. We further suggest that more genetic material from across Pakistan is required to ascertain the validity of S. strachani and for the phylogeographic evaluation of western and northern border populations of the genus. Our geographically wide and revisited molecular phylogeny shows that the genus exhibits genetic diversity suggesting further taxonomic changes. The low level of genetic divergences between S. breviceps and S. magadha Prasad et al., 2019 compared to other species of the genus, indicates that the taxonomic status of S. magadha is questionable. Moreover, we found that S. magadha and S. swani (Mayers and Leviton, 1956) are genetically conspecific with S. breviceps and both should be thus considered its junior synonyms. On the other hand, S. dobsonii and populations from Myanmar need further detailed investigations.
... also regarded Tomopterna maskeyi to be a provisional synonym of these large-size taxa. Recently,Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study.Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. ...
... also regarded Tomopterna maskeyi to be a provisional synonym of these large-size taxa. Recently,Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study.Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. ...
Research on amphibians and their conservation have gained worldwide attention, as the group includes the highest number of threatened and Data Deficient species when compared to other vertebrates. However , amphibians have long been neglected in wildlife conservation, management decisions, policy making , and research agendas in Pakistan. In this paper, an annotated checklist of the 21 amphibian species of Pakistan, a key to their identification, and detailed discussions on variation in species, including the genera Minervarya and Sphaerotheca, are provided. We found a statistically significant difference in the morphometric measurements of males but non-significant difference in the females of the two forms (rusty dorsum and dotted dorsum) of S. maskeyi. Some genera, such as Microhyla, Uperodon, Minervarya, Allopaa, Chrysopaa, Euphlyctis, Nanorana, and Sphaerotheca, in Pakistan are in need of additional data for molecular and morphological comparisons with taxa in other South Asian countries. The predicaments of amphibian research in Pakistan are discussed, gaps identified, and suggestions are made. Although the occurrence of chytrid fungus in Pakistan is predicted of low likelihood, a lack of data merits studying the prevalence of the fungus, particularly in the northern regions of the country which exhibit complex and dynamic ecosystems. It is recommended that systematic and coordinated surveys are conducted throughout the country to build a database of species occurrences and distributions. Additionally, the monitoring of wild populations and threat mitigation, as well as appropriate legislation, are suggested as long-term measures. By adopting an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan, amphibians could be integrated into wildlife conservation and management efforts. A peer-reviewed open-access journal Muhammad Rais et al. / ZooKeys 1062: 157-175 (2021) 158
... also regarded Tomopterna maskeyi to be a provisional synonym of these large-size taxa. Recently,Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study.Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. ...
... also regarded Tomopterna maskeyi to be a provisional synonym of these large-size taxa. Recently,Deepak et al. (2020) provided distribution records for Sphaerotheca pashchima from India and morphological descriptions of their samples of S. pashchima match samples collected for the present study.Deepak et al. (2020) reported similar morphological variation in S. pashchima among the samples collected from India. ...
Research on amphibians and their conservation have gained worldwide attention, as the group includes-ever, amphibians have long been neglected in wildlife conservation, management decisions, policy making , and research agendas in Pakistan. In this paper, an annotated checklist of the 21 amphibian species genera Minervarya and Sphaerotheca (rusty dorsum and dotted dorsum) of S. maskeyi. Some genera, such as Microhyla, Uperodon, Minervarya, Allopaa, Chrysopaa, Euphlyctis, Nanorana, and Sphaerotheca, in Pakistan are in need of additional data for occurrence of chytrid fungus in Pakistan is predicted of low likelihood, a lack of data merits studying the prevalence of the fungus, particularly in the northern regions of the country which exhibit complex and dynamic ecosystems. It is recommended that systematic and coordinated surveys are conducted throughout the country to build a database of species occurrences and distributions. Additionally, the monitoring of wild populations and threat mitigation, as well as appropriate legislation, are suggested as long-term measures. By adopting an inclusive wildlife conservation approach in Pakistan, amphibians could be inte
Bhutan, a small, landlocked country, is part of the eastern Himalayan Biodiversity hotspot characterized by diverse species, habitat types, and ecosystems (Myers et al. 2000; Mittermeier et al. 2005). The Kingdom is home to about 83 species of amphibians (Wangyal 2022) of which 21 are in the family Dicroglossidae. Research on the taxonomy and ecology of amphibians in Bhutan is limited; however, recent studies (Wangyal and Gurung 2012, 2017; Wangyal 2014, 2022; Wangyal and Das 2014; Wangyal et al. 2020, 2022) have made substantial contributions. Additionally, recent investigations into the taxonomy of the Amolops group (Mahony et al. 2022) and the prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Streicher et al. 2020) have highlighted the importance of conducting comprehensive taxonomic research using molecular genetics. This is especially crucial as many species and diseases
in Bhutan have yet to be documented. At 1445 h on 18 August 2022, CT, while on covid-19 border duty (Bhutan places foresters at border crossings to help health professionals control diseases from being introduced from India), observed a frog in an agricultural (paddy field) grassland left fallow by farmers at Yangpelthang (Bhimtar), Norbugang Block, Samtse District, Bhutan.
