First record of the genus Leptodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Cuba: Leptodactylus fragilis,a biological invasion? |
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| Authors: | Tomás M Rodríguez-Cabrera L Yusnaviel García-Padrón Andrés R Acosta Galvis Rafael O de Sá |
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| Institution: | 1. Sociedad Cubana de Zoología, La Habana, Cuba;2. Departamento de Museología, Museo de Historia Natural “Tranquilino Sandalio de Noda”, Pinar del Río, Cuba;3. Departemento de Colecciones Biológicas, Subdirección de Investigaciones, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Villa de Leyva-Boyacá, Colombia;4. Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, USA |
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| Abstract: | The Neotropical genus Leptodactylus is currently represented by three species in the West Indies (Leptodactylus albilabris, Leptodactylus fallax and Leptodactylus validus). Based on morphological, acoustic and molecular evidence, we document the presence of a fourth species in the Caribbean region, Leptodactylus fragilis (Brocchi, 1877). The species was found at two localities in western Cuba, and molecular data suggest a northern South American origin, possibly Venezuela, for these populations. We discuss the potential invasive status of L. fragilis, based on its known distribution, relative abundance, behaviour and possible impacts on native species of Cuban amphibians. |
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| Keywords: | Advertisement call 16S mitochondrial DNA Greater Antilles introduced species range extension |
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