DNA barcoding reveals a new population of the threatened Atlantic Forest frog Sphaenorhynchus canga

Main Article Content

Diego J. Santana
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8789-3061
André Yves
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5292-8666
Elvis A. Pereira
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8810-7878
Priscila S. Carvalho
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1026-271X
Lúcio M. C. Lima
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2125-4408
Henrique C. Costa
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1663-2371
Donald B. Shepard
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1762-6283

Abstract

Species identification plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation. As many species remain unrecognized, particularly in neotropical hotspots like the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (AF), novel molecular techniques are being widely employed to bridge this gap. In this study, we used DNA barcoding and phylogenetic tools to identify a new population of Sphaenorynchus canga in the central region of the Brazilian AF. Our results extend the species’ known distribution by approximately 200 km to the south, encompassing a different mountain range than its type locality (Serra do Espinhaço). This disjunct distribution, while not uncommon among amphibians, suggests a historical connection between these two mountain complexes as a biogeographic explanation. Despite the discovery of a new S. canga population, the species continues to face numerous anthropogenic threats such as mining, land use, and cattle ranching. Urgent conservation and research efforts are warranted to ensure the survival of S. canga populations across these habitats.

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biographies

Diego J. Santana, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, 79070-900, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

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André Yves, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Avenida André Araújo 2936, 69060-001, Petrópolis, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.

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Elvis A. Pereira, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil

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Priscila S. Carvalho, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, 79070-900, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

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Lúcio M. C. Lima, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Conservação da Natureza, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer S/n, 36036-330, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

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Henrique C. Costa, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Rua José Lourenço Kelmer S/n, 36036-330, Campus Universitário, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais,Brazil.

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Donald B. Shepard, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, 601 Science Engineering Hall, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72701, USA.

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