Hebbar, Priti and Rekha Sarma, Roshmi and Ramya, Badrinath and HS, Sudhira and Gudasalamani, Ravikanth and NA, Aravind and KV, Gururaja (2016) Integrative Taxonomic Approach for Describing a New Cryptic Species of Bush Frog (Raorchestes: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India. PLOS ONE, 11 (3). e0149382. ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

A new cryptic species of bush frog Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov. is described from the south-eastern part of the Western Ghats, India. This newly described species belongs to the Charius clade and is morphologically similar to other clade members—R. charius and R. griet. Therefore, an integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular and bioacoustic analysis along with morphology was used to delimit the new species. Raorchestes honnametti sp. nov., is currently known only from Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, a part of Biligiri Rangaswamy horst mountain range (a mountain formed due movement of two faults) formed during the Late Quaternary period (1.8–2.58 Ma). Discovery of cryptic species from a highly speciose and well-studied genus Raorchestes hints at the possible existence of several more cryptic species in this genus. We discuss the possible reasons for crypsis and emphasize the need for continued systematic surveys of amphibians across the Western Ghats.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Copyright of this article belongs to authors
Subjects: A ATREE Publications > G Journal Papers
Divisions: Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainable Studies > PhD Students Publications
Depositing User: ATREE Bangalore
Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2024 07:24
Last Modified: 14 Jun 2024 07:24
URI: http://archives.atree.org/id/eprint/46

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