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Multiple overseas dispersal in amphibians.

Miguel Vences1, David R Vieites, Frank Glaw

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany. vences@science.uva.nl

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 12, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Amphibians can disperse over oceans, challenging previous beliefs. New frog species discovered on Mayotte provide strong evidence for amphibian overseas dispersal, rewriting biogeographical explanations.

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Area of Science:

  • Zoology
  • Biogeography
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Amphibian distribution has been largely explained by vicariance biogeography.
  • Amphibians were presumed incapable of oceanic dispersal due to saltwater intolerance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the possibility of overseas dispersal in amphibians.
  • To identify and characterize new amphibian species on oceanic islands.

Main Methods:

  • Discovery and description of two new endemic frog species (Mantidactylus and Boophis) on Mayotte.
  • Morphological and genetic analyses (mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) to confirm species novelty and phylogenetic relationships.
  • Molecular clock calibration using new data to assess dispersal events.

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Main Results:

  • Two new endemic frog species from the Mantellidae family were discovered on Mayotte, an isolated volcanic island.
  • Genetic and morphological data confirm these frogs are distinct from Malagasy species, representing new endemic lineages.
  • The findings support two additional Cenozoic transmarine dispersal events for other frog families (Hyperoliidae).

Conclusions:

  • Overseas dispersal is a significant factor in amphibian biogeography, not a rare exception.
  • This discovery challenges the long-held view of amphibian dispersal limitations.
  • The study provides robust evidence for amphibian overseas dispersal in the Indian Ocean region.