First record of the genus Leptodactylus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Cuba: Leptodactylus fragilis, a biological invasion?

Authors

Tomás M. Rodríguez-Cabrera
L. Yusnaviel García-Padrón
Andrés R. Acosta Galvis
Rafael O. de Sá, University of RichmondFollow
Roberto Alonso Bosch

DOI

10.1080/00222933.2018.1498549

Abstract

The Neotropical genus Leptodactylus is currently represented by three species in the West Indies (Leptodactylus albilabris, Leptodactylus fallax and Leptodactylus validus). Based on morphological, acoustic and molecular evidence, we document the presence of a fourth species in the Caribbean region, Leptodactylus fragilis (Brocchi, 1877). The species was found at two localities in western Cuba, and molecular data suggest a northern South American origin, possibly Venezuela, for these populations. We discuss the potential invasive status of L. fragilis, based on its known distribution, relative abundance, behaviour and possible impacts on native species of Cuban amphibians.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-3-2018

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2018, Taylor & Francis Group.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2018.1498549.

Recommended Citation

Rodríguez-Cabrera, T. M., García Padrón, L. Y., Acosta Galvis, A. R., de Sá, R. O. and Bosch, R. A. 2018. First record of the genus Leptodactylus (Amphibia: Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Cuba: L. fragilis, a biological invasión? Journal of Natural History, 52, 29-30:1883-1892. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2018.1498549.