Diversity of frogs and toads (Anurans) in the tropical evergreen forests of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats gained importance with reports of several new species. This study aimed at constructing the phylogeny of anurans of the Western Ghats and identifying the factors that determine high level of endemism in the region. The phylogeny of a fossorial frog from the Western Ghats was resolved using morphological and molecular characters. Few anuran genera belonging to the Gondwanaland formed distinct ancient lineages. Their evolution was dated between 140-200 Mya in Jurassic. Events much before the K-T boundary, led to endemism of amphibian lineages in the Gondwanaland. Sea level surges in late Jurassic isolated tablelands creating insular amphibian fauna. Reduction in area promoted stochastic extinctions and probably resulted in amphibian endemism.

In this study 120 samples were sequenced for 12S and 16S regions of the mitochondrial genome. The study contributed to description of four new species of anurans to the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka Hotspot (WGSLHS). We used a combination of morphology and molecular methods to assign the taxonomic status. The phylogeny of these species further highlights the faunal endemism in the WGSLHS.

The study critically reviewed the progress in anuran taxonomy in the region and put forth suggestions. We examined the term “endemism” in the context of its use in prioritizing areas for conservation.
 

Grant-in-aid            
Collaborators: Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad Ashoka Trust for Ecology and Environment, Bangalore