Abstract:
The phylogenetic relationships of the African mongrel frog genus Nothophryne are
poorly understood. We provide the first molecular assessment of the phylogenetic
position of, and diversity within, this monotypic genus from across its range — the
Afromontane regions of Malawi and Mozambique. Our analysis using a two-tiered
phylogenetic approach allowed us to place the genus in Pyxicephalidae. Within the
family, Nothophryne grouped with Tomopterna, a hypothesis judged significantly
better than alternative hypotheses proposed based on morphology. Our analyses of
populations across the range of Nothophryne suggest the presence of several cryptic
species, at least one species per mountain. Formal recognition of these species is
pending but there is a major conservation concern for these narrowly distributed
populations in an area impacted by major habitat change. The phylogenetic tree of
pyxicephalids is used to examine evolution of life history, ancestral habitat, and
biogeography of this group.
