摘要: Sexual dimorphism between males and females is a common pattern observed in the natural world and has become one of the main focuses of evolutionary biology. Amphibian head size and shape are important factors that may influence food acquisition, but knowledge about the sexual differences between amphibian head size and shape is relatively scant. Here, intersexual differences in the head size and shape of Rana kukunoris, which is a high-elevation frog from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, were investigated. Significant differences were found in the head shape but not the head size between sexes. prey size and head size. However, these correlations disappeared when individual body size was controlled, suggesting that body size but not food size was the main factor resulting in intersexual differences in head size/shape. The results suggested sexual dimorphism of head shape among these frogs.

摘要: Understanding the spatial distribution and habitat preference for rare and endangered species are essential for effective conservation practice. We examined the spatial distribution and habitat preference of four Diploderma species (Diploderma drukdaypo, D. laeviventre, D. batangense, and D. vela), which are endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and are currently under state protection. We used the ensembles of small models (ESM) approach and predicted potential distribution ranges of the species in current and two future climate scenarios (SSP126 and SSP585). The degree of overlap between the predicted distribution ranges and existing natural reserves was further analyzed. Habitat preference was examined using a paired quadrat method. Our results predicted that D. drukdaypo has a current distribution range of 600 km2, which would decrease to 50 km2 and 55 km2 under the SSP126 and SSP585 respectively. For D. laeviventre, the current distribution range is 817 km2, with minimum changes in the two future climate scenarios (774 km2 and 902 km2). For D. batangense, the current distribution range is 875 km2, which would expand to 1 522 km2 and 3 340 km2 in the two future climate scenarios. Similarly for D. vela, the current distribution range is 1 369 km2, which would change to 1 825 km2 and 2 043 km2 respectively under the two future climate scenarios. The effect of protection of current nature reserves are likely low for those species; we found no overlap (D. drukdaypo, D. laeviventre) or little overlap (D. batangense 2.04%-3.56%, D. vela 15.52%-16.87%) between the currently designated protection area and distribution range under current and future climate scenarios. For habitat preference, stones appear to be the critical habitat element for those species although different species had different stone requirements. Taken together, we provided critical information on potential distribution ranges and habitat preference for four endangered Diploderma species, and confirmed the inadequacy of current nature reserves. The establishment of new or expansion of existing nature reserves is urgent for the conservation of those species.

摘要: An integrative study based on morphological data and mitochondrial molecular data of all known Nanorana (sensu stricto) species have revealed a new species from the Hengduan Mountains, N. huangi sp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from its congers by its: (1) medium body size, SVL 31.3-40.6 mm in adult males (n = 12), 39.2-48.1 mm in adult females (n = 8); (2) absence of subarticular tubercles on fingers, with supernumerary tubercles below the base of the fingers small but distinct; (3) presence of dark dorsal patches without pale margins, generally creamy yellow ventral body basically, bright yellow ventral limbs; (4) small but prominent tympanum; (5) tibio-tarsal joint that reaches to the tympanum or the shoulder when hindlimbs adpressed forward towards body; (6) head length more than 30% of SVL. In addition, the new species can be separated from all other congeners by uncorrected genetic distances: 12S rRNA, 1.1%-2.1% of the 16S rRNA, and 7.5%- 11.5% of the COI.

摘要: Species diversity of the genus Theloderma has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the majority of newly described species hailing from the Indochina region. We describe a new species of mediumsized Theloderma based on molecular and morphological evidence from lowland forest in the southern part of Central Java Province, Indonesia, that is highly similar to and considered cryptic within the T. horridum group. A phylogenetic approach shows that this population is a distinct genetic lineage and can be distinguished from its congeners by the absence of vomerine teeth, moderate irregular blunt warts and studded with calcified asperities on the dorsal skin, a distinct color pattern, and a distinct denticle formula in the tadpole. Although the range of the new species is known only from Central Java, it cannot be ruled out that it may extends into adjacent areas, such as other parts of Java and Sumatra.

摘要: Difference in body size between males and females (sexual size dimorphism: SSD) and its variation are a common phenomenon in animal kingdom. Rensch's rule predicts that the degree of SSD variation increases with the enlarged mean body size when males are larger than females and decreases when females are larger than males. Here, whether the patterns of variations in SSD in the Andrew's toad (Bufo andrewsi) follow Rensch's rule was tested using unpublished data from 14 populations and published data from 17 populations. Results show the reduced major axis regression of log10 (male size) on log10 (female size) across all populations displayed a significant hyperallometric relationship, which was consistent with inverse Rensch's rule (the degree of SSD increased with enlarged mean body size). SSD could also be explained by sexual age difference (SAD) due to a positive SSD- SAD relationship among all populations. The findings suggest that the occurrence of inverse Rensch's rule in B. andrewsi is likely to be a result of fecundity selection on increased reproductive investments in larger females.