Phylogenetic relationships of the poorly known treefrog Boana hobbsi (Cochran amp; Goin, 1970) (Anura: Hylidae), systematic implications and remarks on morphological variations and geographic distribution.

Boana hobbsi is a poorly known hylid frog currently placed within the Boana punctata group. Yet, morphological, ecological and bioacoustic traits do not support this placement, with no molecular data being available to date to test this hypothesis. Based on newly collected mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphological data review and field observations, we provide new insight into the phylogenetic relationships, morphological variations and geographic distribution of B. hobbsi. Our findings reveal that B. hobbsi is nested (with strong support) within the Boana benitezi group, recovering once more a polyphyletic Boana punctata group. Supported by this new genetic, morphological and ecological evidence, we propose a new taxonomic arrangement which includes B. hobbsi as a member of the Boana benitezi group. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of conducting biological inventories in remote Amazonian areas, where many taxonomic and geographic knowledge gaps persist with regards to Amphibian diversity.

On Rhinella gildae Vaz-Silva, Maciel, Bastos Pombal 2015 (Anura: Bufonidae): Phylogenetic relationship, morphological variation, advertisement and release calls and geographic distribution.

Anurans in the Rhinella margaritifera group have a long history of taxonomic confusion, mainly by morphological similarity between species and lack of acoustic and genetic data for many of the 19 described species. Herein, we presented data for Rhinella gildae based on recently collected specimens from its type locality. We provide patterns of morphological variation, measurements, advertisement and release calls and infer the phylogenetic position of R. gildae. The species geographical distribution was updated, occurring in two Amazonian localities in Maranhão state, and Cerrado areas in Maranhão and Tocantins states and also in a rainforest enclave inside Caatinga domain in Ceará state.

Uncovering the diversity in the Amazophrynella minuta complex: integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of Amazophrynella (Anura, Bufonidae) from southern Peru.

A new species of the genus Amazophrynella (Anura, Bufonidae) is described from the departments of Madre de Dios, Cusco and Junin in Peru. An integrative taxonomy approach is used. A morphological diagnosis, morphometrics comparisons, description of the advertisement call, and the phylogenetic relationships of the new species are provided. Amazophrynella javierbustamantei sp. n. differs from other species of Amazophrynella by: intermediate body-size (snout-vent length 14.9 mm in males, n = 26 and 19.6 mm in females, n = 20), tuberculate skin texture of body, greatest hand length of the Amazophrynella spp. (3.6 mm in males, n = 26 and 4.6 mm in females, n = 20), venter coloration yellowish, tiny rounded black points covering the venter, and thirteen molecular autapomorphies in the 16S RNA gene. Its distribution varies from 215 to 708 m a.s.l. This discovery highlights the importance of the remnant forest in preserving the biodiversity in Peru, and increase in seven the species formally described in the genus Amazophrynella.

ResumenDescribimos una nueva especie del género Amazophrynella (Anura, Bufonidae) del Perú de los Departamentos de Madre de Dios, Cusco y Junin de Peru. Utilizamos un método de taxonomía integrativa. Obtuvimos la diagnosis morfológica, comparaciones morfométricas, descripción del canto de reproducción y las relaciones filogenéticas de la nueva especie. Amazophrynella javierbustamanteisp. n. difiere de las otras Amazophrynella spp. por poseer tamaño medio (Hocico-cloaca en machos 16.9 mm, n = 26 y en hembras 19.6 mm, n = 20); textura de la piel tuberculada; tamaños de las manos mayores (3.6 mm en machos, n = 26 y 4.6 mm en hembras, n = 20); coloración ventral amarillento-pálida, pequeños puntos redondos de color negro en el vientre y por trece autopomorfias moleculares en el gen 16S RNA. Su distribución varía desde 215 m hasta 708 m a.s.n.m. Este descubrimiento resalta la importancia de los remanentes de la selva Peruana en términos de conservación, e incrementa en siete las especies formalmente descritas en del género Amazophrynella.

ResumoDescrevemos uma nova espécie do gênero Amazophrynella (Anura, Bufonidae) dos departamentos de Madre de Dios, Cusco e Junin do Peru. Utilizamos um método de taxonomia integrativa. Apresentamos a diagnose morfológica, comparações morfométricas, descrevemos o canto de anúncio e geramos uma hipótese filogenética da nova espécie. Amazophrynella javierbustamanteisp. n. difere das outras Amazophrynella spp. por possuir tamanho médio (Comprimento rostro-cloacal 16.9 mm em machos, n = 26 e 19.6 mm em fêmeas, n=20); textura da pele tuberculada; tamanhos das mãos maiores (3.6 mm em machos, n = 26 e 4.6 mm em fêmeas, n = 20); coloração ventral amarelo-clara, coberta por pequenos pontos redondos pretos e por treze autapomorfias moleculares no gene 16S RNA. Sua distribuição varia entre os 215 m até os 708 m a.n.m. Nossa descoberta aumenta a importância dos remanescentes da floresta Peruana em termos de conservação e incrementa em sete as espécies formalmente descritas no gênero Amazophrynella.

Two new species of Amazophrynella (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) from Loreto, Peru.

Amazophrynella is a taxonomically poorly known bufonid genus with a pan-Amazonian distribution. A large part of this ambiguity comes from taxonomic uncertainties regarding the type species A. minuta. In this study we compare morphological and molecular data of topotypic specimens of A. minuta with all other nomical congeneric species. Based on these comparisons, we describe two new species. The first species, A. amazonicola sp. nov., differs from other recognized congeners by having a tip of snout with a small triangular protrusion (in dorsal and lateral view), spiculated body and basal webbing on fingers I and II. The second species, A. matses sp. nov., differs from congeners by the smallest snout to vent length of the genus, edges of nasal protrusion dilated and elliptical shape palmar tubercles. The two species are allopatric, where the first species is known to be associated with white sand forests (=campinaranas), while the second inhabits upland (=terra firme) forests. Both species are diagnosable by a series of substitutions in the 16S rDNA, and both species are highly divergent from their sister taxa (p-distances range from 7-14%).

Hêliconias como alternativa econômica para comunidades amazônicas / Heliconias of the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve: economical potential for Amazonian traditional population

Reservas extrativistas (RESEX) são espaços territoriais destinados à exploração sustentável e conservação dos recursos naturais renováveis, por populações extrativistas. Além disso, tem como finalidade implantar alternativas de renda que contribuam para a melhoria das condições de vida das famílias locais. Dentre as variadas possibilidades de renda pelas comunidades que compõem as RESEX, destacamos neste trabalho o uso das helicônias. As espécies de Heliconia são um dos mais vistosos grupos de plantas herbáceas das florestas tropicais. Entretanto seu uso como fonte de renda é desconhecido pelas comunidades que compõem a RESEX. Registramos 11 espécies de Heliconia na RESEX do Baixo Juruá com uso potencial como plantas ornamentais: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata e H. tenebrosa. Atualmente o mercado de plantas ornamentais está em expansão no Brasil, mas a Amazônia parece não estar acompanhando este processo, demonstrando falta de iniciativa política. A economia na forma do extrativismo praticada dentro das reservas florestais na Amazônia, mesmo acarretando alguns impactos diretos sobre a fauna e a flora, ajuda a manter as funções ecológicas originais da floresta evitando perdas futuras de biodiversidade regional. Adicionalmente, garante a continuidade das populações tradicionais no campo, com efeito direto na economia local e regional.

Extractive Reserves (Reservas Extrativistas-RESEX, in portuguese) are defined as territorial spaces destined for auto-sustainable exploration and conservation of renewable natural resources for the traditional population. Moreover, they are an alternative source of income for improving life conditions of the local families. Amongst the possibilities of income for the communities that make up the RESEX, which we discuss, is the use of Heliconia understorey herbs. The Heliconia genus is one of the colorful groups of tropical forest non-timber plants. However, as an income source, it is unknown to the RESEX communities. We registered 11 species of Heliconia in the Baixo Juruá Extractive Reserve with potential as ornamental plants: H. acuminata, H. densiflora, H. hirsuta, H. lasiorachis, H. stricta, H. chartacea, H. juruana, H. marginata, H. psittacorum, H. spathocircinata and H. tenebrosa. Currently in Brazil, the commercialization of ornamental plants is expanding, but the Amazonian region seems not to be following this trend, demonstrating perhaps lack of political initiative. Even though it causes some impact on fauna an flora, the practice of extractive economy inside the forest reserves in Amazonia helps keep the ecological functions of the forest intact, preventing future losses of regional biodiversity. Additionally, it guarantees the continuity of traditional populations in the natural areas, with direct effect on the local and regional economy.