A new species of the endemic Himalayan genus Liurana (Anura, Ceratobatrachidae) from southeastern Tibet, China, with comments on the distribution, reproductive biology, and conservation of the genus

Zool Res. 2019 May 18;40(3):175-184. doi: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2019.025. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Abstract

A new species of the genus Liurana Dubois, 1986 is described from Medog County, Tibet, China, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species can be differentiated from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) head wider than long; (2) tympanum distinct and large; (3) hindlimb long, tibiotarsal articulation beyond tip of snout when adpressed; (4) belly with flat tubercles, cloacal region with small tubercles; (5) transverse bands distinctly on dorsal limbs, four bands on thigh and three on tibia; and, (6) dark brown marbled patterns or speckles on white belly. Here, we also discuss the distribution pattern of Liurana in the East Himalaya region, the role of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in the speciation and genetic isolation of congeners, the direct developmental mode of reproduction, and the two different ecotypes of the genus. Lastly, we provide conservation recommendations for the genus in southeastern Tibet.

Keywords: Advertisement call; Biogeography; Ecology; Natural history; Taxonomy; Tibet.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution*
  • Animals
  • Anura / anatomy & histology*
  • Anura / classification*
  • Anura / physiology
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Tibet

Associated data

  • GENBANK/MK462134-MK462147
  • GENBANK/MK462150
  • GENBANK/MK462151
  • GENBANK/MK462155
  • GENBANK/MK462156

Grants and funding

This project was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program (A) Grant XDB13020200 of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2014FY210200), China’s Biodiversity Observation Network (Sino-BON), Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, and Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species of CAS (Large Research Infrastructure Funding)