The smallest terrestrial vertebrate of Ecuador: A new frog of the genus Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pristimantis characterized by its diminutive size (maximum SVL in males 13.7 mm; n = 46), dorsum smooth to slightly shagreen, finger and toe pads expanded, and red iris with thin black reticulation. The species is the smallest terrestrial vertebrate recorded in Ecuador, and the smallest species in the diverse genus Pristimantis. The osteological traits of the new species are similar to those found in other Pristimantis species, and no elements are lost because of miniaturization. The new species is only known from two close localities in Cordillera del Cóndor, Provincia Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador. ResumenSe describe una nueva especie de Pristimantis caracterizada por su diminito tamaño (longitud rostro-cloacal máxima en machos 13.7 mm; n = 46), dorso normalmente liso, dedos de los pies y manos con discos expadidos e iris color rojo con una muy delgada reticulación negra. La especie es el Pristimantis más pequeño reportado y también el vertebrado terrestre más pequeño del Ecuador. Las características osteológicas de la nueva especie son similares a las observadas en el género Pristimantis y no ha habido ninguna pérdida de elementos óseos debido a su miniaturización. A la nueva especie se la conoce únicamente de dos localidades cercanas en la Cordillera del Cóndor, Provincia de Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador.

A new species of Pristimantis from eastern Brazilian Amazonia (Anura, Craugastoridae)

“…Pristimantis is the largest genus among all vertebrates (Fouquet et al 2013) and its remarkable diversity could probably be explained by the evolution of direct development, allowing individuals not to rely on water bodies for reproduction and thus making them fit for niches unoccupied by other amphibians (Terán-Valdez and Guayasamin 2010). Another important feature of the genus is its highly variable body size, varying from 14.5 mm ( P. andinognomus Lehr & Coloma, 2008) up to 73.0 mm ( P. lymani Barbour & Noble, 1920) (Hedges et al 2008), a factor also likely to have increased the exploitation of various niches.…”

A new treefrog from Cordillera del Cóndor with comments on the biogeographic affinity between Cordillera del Cóndor and the Guianan Tepuis (Anura, Hylidae, Hyloscirtus)

“…During the last two decades, after armed conflicts between Ecuador and Peru ended, roads began to be built and biodiversity surveys became more frequent. These surveys have revealed a large number of unknown species of amphibians, several of which have been recently described (e.g., Almendáriz et al 2014; Almendáriz et al 2017; Almendáriz et al 2012; Almendáriz et al 2014; Brito et al 2017; Brito et al 2014; Terán-Valdez and Guayasamín 2010; Valencia et al 2017). Additional expeditions to Cordillera del Cóndor are likely to result in more discoveries since it remains largely unexplored.…”

A new minute Pristimantis (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador

“…Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1870, currently contains 526 described species [ 4 ] being the largest genus among all vertebrates [ 5 ]. Its remarkable diversity could probably be explained by the evolution of direct development, allowing individuals not to depend on water bodies for reproduction, and thus making them fit for niches unoccupied by other amphibians [ 6 ]. Additionally, low dispersal abilities and high sensitivity to climatic factors, such as humidity and temperature, have favored allopatric speciation [ 7 ].…”