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| Pristimantis attenboroughi
Lehr & von May, 2017
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Abstract
We describe a new species of Pristimantis from upper montane forests and high Andean grasslands of the Pui Pui Protected Forest and its close surroundings, Región Junín, central Peru. The description of the new species is based on 34 specimens found at elevations between 3400 and 3936 m a.s.l. Pristimantis attenboroughi sp. n. is characterized by a snout–vent length of 14.6–19.2 mm in adult males (n = 21), 19.2–23.0 mm in adult females (n = 10), and is compared morphologically and genetically with other taxonomically and biogeographically relevant species of Pristimantis. The new species is characterized by having narrow digits that lack circumferential grooves, irregularly shaped, discontinuous dorsolateral folds, and absence of both tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus. The high similarity in morphology between P. attenboroughi sp. n. and members of the Andean genera Phrynopus and Bryophryne provides an example for convergent evolution, and highlights the importance of using molecular data to justify generic assignment. Pristimantis attenboroughi sp. n. is most similar to Phrynopus chaparroi from the Región Junín, suggesting that the generic placement of this species needs to be revised. Phylogenetically the new species belongs to the Pristimantis danae species Group, a clade that includes several Pristimantis species distributed in the montane forests of central Peru, including P. albertus, P. aniptopalmatus, P. ornatus, and P. stictogaster.
Keywords: Andes, DNA barcoding, frogs, molecular phylogeny, montane forest, Pristimantis attenboroughi new species, Puna
Pristimantis attenboroughi sp. n.
English: Attenborough’s Rubber Frog.
Spanish: Rana cutín Attenborough.
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| Figure 3. Life male holotype (MUSM 31196, SVL 18.9 mm) of Pristimantis attenboroughi sp. n. in dorsolateral view (A), dorsal view (B), flanks, groin, anterior surfaces of thighs (C), posterior surfaces of thighs (D), and ventral view (E).
Photos by E. Lehr.
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Etymology: We dedicate this species to Sir David Frederick Attenborough in honor for his educational documentaries on wildlife, especially on amphibians (e.g., Life in Cold Blood, Fabulous Frogs), and for raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. The specific epithet is used as noun in apposition.
Distribution, natural history, and conservation status: Pristimantis attenboroughi is known from six localities inside the PPPF (Puna of Quebrada Tarhuish at Laguna Udrecocha, Fig. 8A; upper montane forest of Quebrada Tarhuish on the left bank “Shiusha” of Antuyo River; Antuyo; Antuyo Bajo; Hatunpata, and Trancapampa, Figs 8B, 9) and from two outside the PPPF (upper part of Quebrada Tasta close to Laguna Luichococha; in Polylepis forest of first mountain peak next to trail from Tasta to Tarhuish), and is distributed at elevations between 3400 and 3936 m a.s.l., Fig. 9. The type locality (Figs 8A, 9), upper part of Quebrada Tarhuish, on the east side of Laguna Udrecocha at 3936 m a.s.l., belongs to the Puna ecoregion (Brack 1986). The vegetation consists of Peruvian feather grass (Stipa ichu), mosses, and small bushes. The holotype was found inside moss in the afternoon on 17 May 2012. No sympatric anurans were found at the type locality. At the upper montane forest of Quebrada Tarhuish on the left bank “Shiusha” of Antuyo River, P. attenboroughi was found deep inside large moss layers. Sympatric anurans are Gastrotheca griswoldi (MUSM 31193), Pristimantis sp. n. C (MUSM 31190–92), Pristimantis sp. n. D (MUSM 31197–98), and Phrynopus sp. n. A (MUSM 31203).
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Edgar Lehr and Rudolf von May. 2017. A New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frog (Amphibia, Craugastoridae, Pristimantis) from High Elevations of the Pui Pui Protected Forest in central Peru. ZooKeys. 660: 17-42. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.660.11394
New frog from the Peruvian Andes is the first amphibian named after Sir David Attenborough http://blog.pensoft.net/2017/03/07/new-frog-from-the-peruvian-andes-is-the-first-amphibian-named-after-sir-david-attenborough/
New frog from the Peruvian Andes is the first amphibian named after Sir David Attenborough http://phy.so/408102578 via @physorg_com
New Species! Tiny Frog and Fungus Gnat Get Celebrity Names
https://shar.es/1UGmD7 via @LiveScience
https://shar.es/1UGmD7 via @LiveScience
