An examination of call and genetic variation in three wide-ranging Southeast Asian anuran species

Abstract

We examined common male mating calls and portions of two mitochondrial genes (16S and cytochrome b) of three wide-ranging Southeast Asian anurans to determine whether populations separated by 1,600 km are conspecific. For one species (Polypedates leucomystax), calls are significantly different, but genetic distances are relatively low. For the other two species (Microhyla heymonsi and Hylarana erythraea), calls do not differ significantly, and genetic distances are larger than those observed in P. leucomystax. We conclude that the study populations of P. leucomystax may represent different species, and that the populations of M. heymonsi and H. erythraea are likely conspecific. Further sampling of calls and genetics of geographically intermediate P. leucomystax populations will help resolve whether or not these populations are conspecific. © National University of Singapore.