02235nas a2200157   4500008004100000245022900041210006900270260001600339300001200355490000700367520161600374100001601990700001902006700001702025856003502042       2007                        eng d00aThe California Academy of Sciences Gulf of Guinea expeditions (2001,2006) VI. A new species of Phrynobatrachus from the Gulf of Guinea islands and a reanalysis of Phrynobatrachus dispar and P. feae (Anura: Phrynobatrachidae)0 aCalifornia Academy of Sciences Gulf of Guinea expeditions 200120  cSep 28 2007  a367-3850 v583 a<p>The oceanic islands of Sao Tome and Principe in the Gulf of Guinea of Africa harbor a surprising number of endemic amphibians. Two species of puddle frogs (Phrynobatrachus) have been described from these islands: Phryaobatrachus dispar (Peters, 1870) and P. feae (Boulenger, 1906). The validity of P. feae as a taxon distinct from P. dispar has been in doubt and in recent works the two have been considered synonymous. However, a detailed analysis has never been performed. We examined 175 specimens of Phrynobatrachus collected from the two islands during the 2001 and 2006 CAS Gulf of Guinea expeditions as well as two syntypes of P. feae. Consistent external morphological and osteological differences were found between specimens from different islands. Furthermore, maximum likelihood analysis of cytochrome b sequences revealed a high mean inter-island sequence divergence of 21%, whereas intra-island distances were only around 1%. This level of divergence indicates an ancient split, possibly predating the formation of Sao Tome. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from 12S rRNA, valine-tRNA, and 16S rRNA genes support this divergence and indicate that the P. dispar clade is sister to an East African clade of Phryuobatrachus, and not West African species, a recurrent theme with this insular amphibian fauna. Because the type localities of both currently available names are on Principe Island, the species endemic to Sao Tome is undescribed. We thus describe a new species of Phrynobatrachus, raising the current total of endemic amphibian species in the Gulf of Guinea Islands from six to seven.</p>
1 aUyeda, J.C.1 aDrewes, R., C.1 aZimkus, B.M.  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070057204101954nas a2200193   4500008004100000245015600041210006900197260001300266300001400279490000700293520130700300100002601607700001901633700001801652700002001670700001901690700001601709856003501725       2007                        eng d00aNuclear gene phylogeny of narrow-mouthed toads (Family: Microhylidae) and a discussion of competing hypotheses concerning their biogeographical origins0 aNuclear gene phylogeny of narrowmouthed toads Family Microhylida  cSep 2007  a1017-10300 v443 aThe family Microhylidae has a large circumtropic distribution and contains about 400 species in a highly subdivided taxonomy. Relationships among its constituent taxa remained controversial due to homoplasy in morphological characters, resulting in conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses. A phylogeny based on four nuclear genes (rag-1, rag-2, tyrosinase, BDNF) and one mitochondrial gene (CO1) of representatives of all currently recognized subfamilies uncovers a basal polytomy between several subfamilial clades. A sister group relationship between the cophylines and scaphiophrynines is resolved with moderate support, which unites these endemic Malagasy taxa for the first time. The American members of the subfamily Microhylinae are resolved to form a clade entirely separate from the Asian members of that subfamily. Otophryne is excluded from the subfamily Microhylinae, and resolved as a basal taxon. The placement of the Asian dyscophine Calluella nested within the Asian Microhyline clade rather than with the genus Dyscophus is corroborated by our data. Bayesian estimates of the divergence time of extant Microhylidae (47-90 Mya) and among the subclades within the family are discussed in frameworks of alternative possible biogeographic scenarios. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.1 avan der Meijden, Arie1 aVences, Miguel1 aHoegg, Simone1 aBoistel, Renaud1 aChanning, Alan1 aMeyer, Axel  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070058189401642nas a2200169   4500008004100000245012100041210006900162260001600231300001200247520107300259100002101332700002201353700002101375700002001396700002101416856003501437       2007                        eng d00aReproduction in brevicipitid frogs (Amphibia : Anura : Brevicipitidae) - Evidence from Probreviceps m. macrodactylus0 aReproduction in brevicipitid frogs Amphibia Anura Brevicipitidae  cSep 10 2007  a726-7333 aAn egg clutch of the Tanzanian brevicipitid frog, Probreviceps m. macrodactylus, is described for the first time. The single clutch consists of 32 eggs and 21 infertile, jelly-filled capsules, tightly bound together by a thin, tough outer layer. The infertile capsules are concentrated toward the top of the clutch. The eggs were found in a dry season, and were perhaps likely to hatch at the onset of the short rains. The specific identification is confirmed through analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Eggs are yolky and large, about 8 mm in diameter (including capsule), suggesting that P. m. macrodactylus has a direct mode of development. The embryos observed were in an early developmental stage and showed the early division of the brain and anlagen of three pairs of visceral arches. Brevicipitid reproduction and development are poorly known, but a review of the existing literature and parsimonious optimization of simple characters onto a phylogenetic framework suggest that direct development is a derived condition characterizing the whole clade.1 aMüller, Hendrik1 aLoader, Simon, P.1 aNgalason, Wilirk1 aHowell, Kim, M.1 aGower, David, J.  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080002080002083nas a2200193   4500008004100000245010200041210006900143260001600212300001200228490000700240520147400247100002401721700002101745700002801766700002101794700001801815700002101833856003501854       2007                        eng d00aThe amphibians of the Lokoli Forest, a permanently inundated rainforest in the Dahomey Gap, Benin0 aamphibians of the Lokoli Forest a permanently inundated rainfore  cNov 20 2007  a231-2380 v433 aWe present the first amphibian species list for a forest remnant, the Lokoli Forest, in the Dahomey Gap, a natural gap in West African’s coastal rainforest belt. The forest studied is of special interest due to its geographic position between the Upper and the Lower Guinean biodiversity hotspots and its peculiar forest type, being permanently inundated. From Lokoli forest we recorded eight frog species as new for Benin (Afrixalus dorsalis, Hyperolius guttulatus, H. sylvaticus, Arthroleptis sp., Leptopelis spiritusnoctis, Hydrophylax albolabris, Aubria subsigillata, Ptychadena mascareniensis-complex. Phrynobatrachus calcaratus from the neighbouring Lama forest was a new country record as well. However, with 17 recorded anurans, species diversity was relatively low compared to other West African forests. None of the recorded species is threatened or endemic to the region. All species are either widespread or have closer affinities to the Upper Guinean Forest Region than to the Lower Guinean one. Low species richness and low level of endemicity might be due to (a) particular habitat (inundated forest, excluding particular frog guilds, i.e. leaf litter species), (b) small size of the forest (500 ha; species area relation; edge effects), (c) location outside the range of presumed Pleistocene forest refugia. Nevertheless, due to the presence of the exceptional habitat type, Lokoli Forest deserves much more conservation actions than given at present.1 aRödel, Mark-Oliver1 aBrede, Christian1 aSchiefenhoevel, Philipp1 aPenner, Johannes1 aSinsin, Brice1 aNago, Gilles, A.  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080010690101169nas a2200145   4500008004100000245010700041210006900148260001600217300001200233490000700245520069700252100002000949700001900969856003500988       2007                        eng d00aDescription of the tadpole of Mertensophryne lonnbergi (Anura : Bufonidae) from the highlands of Kenya0 aDescription of the tadpole of Mertensophryne lonnbergi Anura Buf  cNov 20 2007  a239-2440 v433 aThe tadpole of Mertensophryne lonnbergi is described from the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya. Although it resembles other African bufonid tadpoles in shape, size and color, it can be distinguished from them by the absence of a gap in the posterior oral papillae, a feature also shared by Mertensophryne anotis and M. micranotis. While the other known tadpoles in this genus (M. anotis, M. taitana, M. micranotis) all share a ’’ crowrn ’’, a ring of tissue surrounding the eyes and nostrils with a presumed respiratory function, M. lonnbergi has a faint trace of a crown, and skin folds forming transverse ripples behind the eyes, which may also serve to increase the respiratory surface.1 aWasonga, Victor1 aChanning, Alan  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080010690200342nas a2200109   4500008004100000245002900041210002900070260001900099100002600118700001600144856007200160       2007                        eng d00aAngolan Miombo woodlands0 aAngolan Miombo woodlands  cMarch 11, 20131 aFund, World, Wildlife1 aHogan, C.M.  uhttp://www.eoearth.org/article/Angolan_Miombo_woodlands?topic=4959701178nas a2200169   4500008004100000245006700041210006600108260001300174300001000187490000700197520067900204100002000883700002000903700002100923700002900944856003500973       2007                        eng d00aAmphibian abundance and diversity in Meru National Park, Kenya0 aAmphibian abundance and diversity in Meru National Park Kenya  cMar 2007  a55-610 v453 a{The diversity and abundance of amphibians were investigated in Meru National Park, Kenya, using transect sampling, drift-fence and pitfall trapping and opportunistic collecting. A total of 430 individuals under seven genera (Amietophrynus, Hemisus, Hyperolius, Phrynobatrachus, Phrynomantis, Ptychadena, Xenopus) comprising eleven species were sampled in three different habitats (apart from this, two additional species are known from Meru National Park): Acacia-wooded grassland; Combretum-wooded grassland; Acacia-Commiphora bushland. The sex ratio for almost all species was balanced (chi-square, chi(2); P > 0.5) and was not affected by habitat type (ANOVA: F = 8.30261 aWasonga, Victor1 aBekele, Afework1 aLötters, Stefan1 aBalakrishnan, Mundanthra  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070019526501928nas a2200181   4500008004100000245010800041210006900149260001300218300001200231490000700243520135900250100002201609700002701631700001901658700002001677700001401697856003501711       2007                        eng d00aSpatial and temporal patterns of abundance and diversity of an east African leaf litter amphibian fauna0 aSpatial and temporal patterns of abundance and diversity of an e  cJan 2007  a105-1130 v393 aWe present data on sample richness, relative abundance, and community structure of a leaf litter amphibian assemblage from globally important miombo-mopane woodlands characteristic of western Tanzania. We describe patterns of diversity across major habitat types and between different seasons from an annual pitfall-trapping campaign. We recorded 28 species of amphibians, which is significantly higher than existing richness estimates for other miombo woodland sites elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa. We found that cultivation of native habitat reduces frog diversity, a conclusion that has important implications in light of the rapid conversion of miombo woodland for agriculture and fuel-wood across much of southern and central Africa. Many species showed strongly ansynchronized patterns of seasonality in relative abundance, which has significant implications for the establishment of successful monitoring programs and biodiversity surveys. These conclusions emphasize the importance of stratified long-term sampling in biodiversity studies and demonstrate that superficial levels of sampling effort can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding patterns of diversity in amphibian communities. The relatively poor focus on herpetofaunal research in African miombo-mopane woodland is out of proportion to its ecological and conservation significance.1 aGardner, Toby, A.1 aFitzherbert, Emily, B.1 aDrewes, R., C.1 aHowell, Kim, M.1 aCaro, Tim  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070009782802135nas a2200217   4500008004100000245007500041210006900116260001600185300001200201490000800213520150600221100001801727700002101745700002001766700002201786700001501808700002101823700001801844700002001862856003501882       2007                        eng d00aGlobal patterns of diversification in the history of modern amphibians0 aGlobal patterns of diversification in the history of modern amph  cJan 16 2007  a887-8920 v1043 aThe fossil record of modern amphibians (frogs, salamanders, and caecilians) provides no evidence for major extinction or radiation episodes throughout most of the Mesozoic and early Tertiary. However, long-term gradual diversification is difficult to reconcile with the sensitivity of present-day amphibian faunas to rapid ecological changes and the incidence of similar environmental perturbations in the past that have been associated with high turnover rates in other land vertebrates. To provide a comprehensive overview of the history of amphibian diversification, we constructed a phylogenetic timetree based on a multigene data set of 3.75 kb for 171 species. Our analyses reveal several episodes of accelerated amphibian diversification, which do not fit models of gradual lineage accumulation. Global turning points in the phylogenetic and ecological diversification occurred after the end-Permian mass extinction and in the late Cretaceous. Fluctuations in amphibian diversification show strong temporal correlation with turnover rates in amniotes and the rise of angiosperm-dominated forests. Approximately 86% of modern frog species and > 81% of salamander species descended from only five ancestral lineages that produced major radiations in the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary. This proportionally late accumulation of extant lineage diversity contrasts with the long evolutionary history of amphibians but is in line with the Tertiary increase in fossil abundance toward the present.1 aRoelants, Kim1 aGower, David, J.1 aWilkinson, Mark1 aLoader, Simon, P.1 aBiju, S.D.1 aGuillaume, Karen1 aMoriau, Linde1 aBossuyt, Franky  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070029001601348nas a2200145   4500008004100000245006900041210006400110260001600174300000900190490000700199520091700206100002001123700002401143856003501167       2007                        eng d00aThe amphibians of three national forests in Liberia, West Africa0 aamphibians of three national forests in Liberia West Africa  cFeb 20 2007  a1-100 v433 aWe surveyed three National Forests in north-western and south-eastern Liberia for amphibians. Forty species were found including five first national records: Afrixalus nigeriensis, Astylosternus occidentalis, Bufo superciliaris, Chiromantis rufescens and Phrynobatrachus villiersi. Following the 1UCN Red List categories and criteria, eleven species are Near Threatened, two are Vulnerable and two Endangered. Bufo superciliaris is listed under CITES. All three forests under investigation harbour an amphibian community mainly consisting of forest specialists that are endemic to the Upper Guinea Forest zone. All investigated sites showed a high potential for conservation, although the presence of some invasive species is a hint that alteration of natural forests has already occurred. We also provide a list of all reptiles encountered to account for the deficiency of data for these vertebrates in Liberia.1 aHillers, Annika1 aRödel, Mark-Oliver  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080010692000358nas a2200109   4500008004100000245004000041210004000081260001400121100002600135700001600161856007100177       2007                        eng d00aMediterranean woodlands and forests0 aMediterranean woodlands and forests  cDec. 20121 aFund, World, Wildlife1 aHogan, C.M.  uhttp://www.eoearth.org/article/Mediterranean_woodlands_and_forests00465nas a2200133   4500008004100000245009800041210006900139260001300208490000800221100002500229700001800254700002400272856003500296       2007                        eng d00aFrogs with claws: Diversity, morphology, and function of pedal unguals in the Astylosternidae0 aFrogs with claws Diversity morphology and function of pedal ungu  cDec 20070 v2681 aBlackburn, David, C.1 aHanken, James1 aJenkins, Farish, A.  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080013690001883nas a2200193   4500008004100000245012300041210006900164260001300233300001200246490000800258520126800266100001901534700002101553700002101574700001701595700002301612700001901635856003501654       2007                        eng d00aLarval morphology of reed frogs, Hyperolius kivuensis and H. viridiflavus, from western Kenya (Amphibia, Hyperoliidae)0 aLarval morphology of reed frogs Hyperolius kivuensis and H virid  cDec 2007  a825-8370 v1143 aWe describe external characters, oral disc and oral cavity structures of larval Hyperolius kivuensis and H. viridiflavus, i.e. exotrophous lentic benthic type IV tadpoles. External morphology of both is comparable and matches descriptions of other Hyperolius species. Differences among the two taxa were noted in the keratinized labial teeth. In H. kivuensis, the spoon-shaped cusped tooth type is frequent and represented by two different subtypes: (i) "cusped" with four cusps, the two distal of which only slightly larger than the lateral cusps; (ii) "pointed" with the two distal cusps larger than the two lateral cusps forming a bifurcation. The latter subtype is rare in H. kivuensis, while most frequent in H. viridiflavus. In this species, also another type occurs, characterized by two long distal cusps, forming a bifurcation, and two small lateral cusps; the cusped type with cusps of the same size as in H. kivuensis is rare. Both species show similar oral cavity structures except for the choanae position, i.e. arranged in a V that is opened posteriorly in H. kivuensis versus a V opened anteriorly in H. viridiflavus. Choanae position and keratinized labial teeth structure may provide diagnostic features for these and other species of Hyperolius.1 aViertel, Bruno1 aLötters, Stefan1 aBaumgart, Andrea1 aOberst, Marc1 aEisenbeis, Gerhard1 aVeith, Michael  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080012036501506nas a2200145   4500008004100000245009700041210006900138260001600207300001200223490000700235520104000242100001801282700002501300856003501325       2007                        eng d00aThe amphibians and reptiles of Nouabale-Ndoki national park, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)0 aamphibians and reptiles of NouabaleNdoki national park Republic   cAug 20 2007  a149-1640 v433 aWe present an annotated list of 20 amphibian and 14 reptile species collected along the southern edge of Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo, which comprises lowland forests that are part of the Congo River drainage basin. This study has resulted in the first definitive records of the frogs Aubria masako, Amietophrynus regularis, Cryptothylax greshoffii, Hyperolius balfouri, H. brachiofasciatus, Leptopelis brevirostris, and L. calcaratus meridionalis from the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). Comparing four sites subjected to different degrees of human disturbance, we note differences in herpetofaunal composition among these sites, which we attribute to difference in tolerance of human activity, opportunistic colonisation by non-native species, and, in some cases, a preference for proximity to human habitations. We compare the results of our study to other herpetofaunal surveys of Central and West Africa in order to gain insight into which faunae are most similar to that of Nouabale-Ndoki National Park.1 aJackson, Kate1 aBlackburn, David, C.  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080010690800711nas a2200145   4500008004100000245010700041210006900148260001300217300001200230490000700242520023300249100002900482700001900511856003500530       2007                        eng d00aDescription of the tadpole of Mertensophryne lonnbergi (Anura : Bufonidae) from the highlands of Kenya0 aDescription of the tadpole of Mertensophryne lonnbergi Anura Buf  cApr 2007  a139-1410 v423 aThe tadpole of Amietia wittei (Anura: Pyxicephalidae) is described from the highlands of Kenya. It is distinguished from the tadpoles of Amietia ruwenzoriensis and A. angolensis in the region by the numbers of labial tooth rows.1 aWasonga, Domnick, Victor1 aChanning, Alan  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20070040790400479nas a2200133   4500008004100000245003900041210003900080250001900119260007400138490000900212100002600221700001600247856008200263       2007                        eng d00aCentral Zambezian Miombo woodlands0 aCentral Zambezian Miombo woodlands  aEd. M.McGinley  bNational Council for Science and the Environment, Washington DCc20120 v20121 aFund, World, Wildlife1 aHogan, C.M.  uhttp://www.eoearth.org/article/Central_Zambezian_Miombo_woodlands?topic=4959700849nam a2200193   4500008004100000020002800041245008600069210006900155250000700224260011800231300001000349653002800359653002800387653001700415653002900432653002900461100002000490856014500510       2007                        eng d  a3930612801978393061280200aFrog search: results of expeditions to southern and eastern Africa from 1993-19990 aFrog search results of expeditions to southern and eastern Afric  a28  aFrankfurt am Main: Lanesboro, Minn.bEdition Chimaira; Zoo Book Sales, Serpent’s Tale [U.S. distributor]c2007.  a574 p10aEastern Classification.10aEastern Identification.10aFrogs Africa10aSouthern Classification.10aSouthern Identification.1 aPickersgill, M.  uhttp://discovery.lib.harvard.edu//?itemid=%7clibrary%2fm%2faleph%7c012093332 CN - Museum Comp Zoology | QL668.E2 P53 2007, QL668.E2 P53 200700543nas a2200157   4500008004100000020001800041245009600059210006900155260000900224300001000233490000700243100003100250700002600281700002400307856005400331       2007                        eng d  a978193415109900aA rapid survey of the amphibians from the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Eastern Region, Ghana0 arapid survey of the amphibians from the Atewa Range Forest Reser  c2007  a76-830 v471 aKouame, N’Goran, Germain1 aBoateng, Caleb, Ofori1 aRödel, Mark-Oliver  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/11701726nas a2200217   4500008004100000245012000041210006900161260002000230300001200250490000700262520106700269653000901336653000901345653001301354653001501367653001901382653001401401100001901415700002001434856005401454       2007                        eng d00aHerpetological type specimens in the natural history collections of the museums in Darmstadt and Wiesbaden, Germany0 aHerpetological type specimens in the natural history collections  c1 November 2007  a275-2880 v303 a<p>We provide the fi rst complete list of the present and lost amphibian and reptile type specimens of the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt and the Museum Wiesbaden Naturhistorische Landessammlung. The Darmstadt collection currently houses primary types of 5 taxa (holotypes) and secondary types of additional 15 taxa (paratypes). The Wiesbaden collection includes primary types of 13 taxa (8 represented by holotypes, 4 by syntypes and 1 by lectotype). Furthermore, the primary types of 6 taxa formerly housed at the Museum Wiesbaden are considered lost. In several cases, we comment on the current status of the taxa present in the collections. Bufo spinulosus var. arapensis Andersson, 1908 was obviously overlooked and neglected in the literature. It is here considered a junior synonym of Chaunus spinulosus (Wiegmann, 1834). The largest specimen of the type series is designated as lectotype (MWNH 153/1). The current status of Hylambates rufus var. aubryioides Andersson, 1908, as a junior synonym of Leptopelis modestus (Werner, 1898) is rejected.</p>
10aHLMD10aMWNH10aSquamata10aTestudines10atype specimens10aWiesbaden1 aKöhler, Jörn1 aGüsten, Robert  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/11800481nas a2200133   4500008004100000245011200041210006900153300001200222490000700234100001600241700001900257700001700276856005400293       2007                        eng d00a2006. A new species of Running Frog, (Kassina, Anura: Hyperoliidae) from Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania.0 a2006 A new species of Running Frog Kassina Anura Hyperoliidae fr  a113-1220 v551 aMsuya, C.A.1 aHowell, K., M.1 aChanning, A.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/11900517nas a2200145   4500008004100000245011400041210007100155300001000226490000600236100001600242700002400258700002100282700001400303856005400317       2007                        eng d00aAmphibians and reptiles of the Lac Télé Community Reserve, Likouala region, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)0 aAmphibians and reptiles of the Lac Télé Community Reserve Likoua  a75-860 v21 aJackson, K.1 aZassi-Boulou, A.-G.1 aMavoungou, L.-B.1 aPanou, S.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12000455nas a2200133   4500008004100000245008800041210006900129300001200198490000700210100001900217700001700236700001400253856005400267       2007                        eng d00aChytrid Fungus in Frogs from an Equatorial African Montane Forest in Western Uganda0 aChytrid Fungus in Frogs from an Equatorial African Montane Fores  a521-5240 v431 aGoldberg, T.L.1 aReadel, A.M.1 aLee, M.H.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12100569nas a2200133   4500008004100000245017100041210006900212490000700281100002000288700002800308700001600336700002900352856005400381       2007                        eng d00aConflicting phylogenetic signal of nuclear vs mitochondrial DNA markers in midwife toads (Anura, Discoglossidae, Alytes): Deep coalescence or ancestral hybridization?0 aConflicting phylogenetic signal of nuclear vs mitochondrial DNA 0 v441 ac}alves, Gon{\c1 aMart{\'ınez-Solano, I.1 aFerrand, N.1 aGarc{\'ıa-Par{\'ıs, M.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12200417nas a2200109   4500008004100000245010100041210006900142490000700211100001800218700001700236856005400253       2007                        eng d00aDescription of the tadpole of Amietia wittei (Anura: Pyxicephalidae) from the highlands of Kenya0 aDescription of the tadpole of Amietia wittei Anura Pyxicephalida0 v421 aWasonga, D.V.1 aChanning, A.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12300476nas a2200133   4500008004100000245011000041210006900151300001400220490000800234100001600242700001600258700001400274856005400288       2007                        eng d00aDistribution and protected area coverage of endemic taxa in West Africa’s Biafran forests and highlands0 aDistribution and protected area coverage of endemic taxa in West  a195–2080 v1341 aBergl, R.A.1 aOates, J.F.1 aFotso, R.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12400410nas a2200097   4500008004100000245008700041210006900128490004100197100002000238856005400258       2007                        eng d00aFrog Search. Results of Expeditions to Southern and Eastern Africa from 1993-1999.0 aFrog Search Results of Expeditions to Southern and Eastern Afric0 vFrankfurt am Main: Edition Chimaira.1 aPickersgill, M.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12500449nas a2200109   4500008004100000245012700041210006900168300001100237490002000248100001700268856005400285       2007                        eng d00aThe identity of Hylambates hyloides Boulenger, 1906 and description of a new small species of Leptopelis from West Africa.0 aidentity of Hylambates hyloides Boulenger 1906 and description o  a90-1000 v83 (Supplement)1 aRodel, M.-O.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12600387nas a2200109   4500008004100000245007700041210006900118300001100187490000800198100001700206856005400223       2007                        eng d00aLes Phlyctimantis et Kassina du Cameroun (Amphibia, Anura, Hyperoliidae)0 aLes Phlyctimantis et Kassina du Cameroun Amphibia Anura Hyperoli  a87-1260 v1141 aAmiet, J.-L.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/12700366nas a2200109   4500008004100000245004000041210004000081250002200121100002600143700001600169856007100185       2007                        eng d00aMediterranean woodlands and forests0 aMediterranean woodlands and forests  arevised Nov. 20121 aFund, World, Wildlife1 aHogan, C.M.  uhttp://www.eoearth.org/article/Mediterranean_woodlands_and_forests04158nas a2200145   4500008004100000245008600041210006900127300001000196520368600206100001903892700002303911700001903934700002403953856003503977       2007                        eng d00aAmphibian communities in disturbed forests: lessons from the Neo- and Afrotropics0 aAmphibian communities in disturbed forests lessons from the Neo   a61-873 aTimber harvesting is currently the most common commercial utilisation activity in tropical forests. Assessing the effects of logging on different aspects of biodiversity and general ecosystem properties is hence of prime importance if the few remaining areas of intact tropical forest are to be protected effectively and efficiently.As we will point out in this chapter, tropical amphibian communities are an appropriate model system for studies on the impacts of human-induced environmental changes on the dynamics of complex biological systems. Here, we elaborate on patterns of diversity changes in tropical forest amphibian communities facing habitat alterations associated with selective logging in two globally important eco-regions (Cote d’Ivoire, Upper Guinea, West Africa and Guyana, the Guiana Shield, northern South America), and discuss findings from other previously conducted studies with similar focus.A key statement that we stress on in this chapter is the fact that common measures of diversity, such as species richness and a-diversity only inadequately reflect processes of diversity change following anthropogenic disturbance. They also fail to describe actual impacts on the dynamics of complex biological systems. We argue that commonly used measures produce an incoherent and insufficient picture of diversity patterns and the underlying processes that shape these patterns. Thus, an understanding of higher levels of diversity, such as beta-diversity and functional diversity (and hence compositional patterns) appears to be the key to effectively mitigating the impacts of human-induced disturbance on amphibian communities.We show that the predictability of amphibian community composition depends on the respective level of anthropogenic disturbance imposed on a particular habitat. Hence, human activities that lead to changes in the structure of a forest, such as logging, not only alter simple system descriptors, such as the number of species in a given community, but rather alter the dynamics of the entire system. In this context, functional diversity is shown to be an important aspect underlying the actual mechanism that leads to the observed change of predictability patterns. Functional differences between species, rather than number of species per se appear to be the decisive factor in sustaining desirable ecosystem states and thus in maintaining important ecosystem services.Because biological diversity appears to play a substantial role in ecosystem resilience required to safeguard essential ecosystem functions in the face of environmental change, we call for a critical revision of common diversity assessments approaches. We advocate the reconsideration of the uncritical use of widespread measures and descriptors of biodiversity on grounds of inconsistent patterns found throughout numerous studies, including those presented herein.The complex nature of natural communities and the multiple aspects of biodiversity at different levels, make it necessary to incorporate processes acting on different organizational and spatial scales. When investigating the impacts of human-induced environmental changes on diverse vertebrate communities in the tropics, we should hence address compositional changes, as well as beta-, and functional aspects of biodiversity. Special attention should also be drawn to the particular disturbance history of a given site and large scale cross-regional comparisons should be given priority. The consideration of these approaches in future studies would likely provide deeper insight in ecosystem processes at large scales and improve the effectiveness of current ecosystem management strategies.1 aErnst, Raffael1 aLinsenmair, Eduard1 aThomas, Raquel1 aRödel, Mark-Oliver  u<Go to ISI>://PREV20080003124202418nas a2200181   4500008004100000245015200041210006900193300000900262490000700271520179200278100001702070700001902087700001902106700001902125700001702144700002102161856005402182       2007                        eng d00aFreshwater paths across the ocean: molecular phylogeny of the frog Ptychadena newtoni gives insights into amphibian colonization of oceanic islands0 aFreshwater paths across the ocean molecular phylogeny of the fro  a7-200 v343 aAim Amphibians are a model group for studies of the biogeographical origins of salt-intolerant taxa on oceanic islands. We used the Gulf of Guinea islands to explore the biogeographical origins of island endemism of one species of frog, and used this to gain insights into potential colonization mechanisms.Location Sao Tome and Principe, two of the four major islands in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, are truly oceanic and have an exceptionally high biodiversity.Methods Mitochondrial DNA is used to test the endemic status of a frog from Sao Tome and compare it with congeneric taxa from tropical Africa. Existing data on surface currents, surface salinity, atmospheric circulation and bird migration in the Gulf of Guinea are summarized to address hypotheses concerning colonization mechanisms.Results The endemic status of Ptychadena newtoni (Bocage) is supported here by mitochondrial DNA sequences, and analysis of this and other molecular data indicates that an East African species close to Ptychadena mascareniensis (Dumeril and Bibron) is its nearest relative. We refute the possibility that this population was anthropogenically introduced, in favour of a natural dispersal mechanism.Main conclusions With six endemic frogs and one caecilian, the Gulf of Guinea islands harbour a diverse amphibian fauna. Five of these species appear to have their closest relatives in East Africa. Insufficient evidence exists for transportation by storms, birds or rafts alone. However, we propose a synergy of rafting, favourable surface currents and a reduction in salinity of surface waters. Catastrophic events, or wet periods in climatic history, could allow freshwater paths to open far enough to enable continental flora and fauna to reach these and other isolated oceanic islands.1 aMeasey, John1 aVences, Miguel1 aDrewes, R., C.1 aChiari, Ylenia1 aMelo, Martim1 aBourles, Bernard  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/130