Molecular phylogenetics reveals a complex history underlying cryptic diversity in the Bush Squeaker Frog (Arthroleptis wahlbergii) in southern Africa

Comparison of the mitochondrial phylogeographical structure of a generalist and two specialist frog species reveals contrasting patterns in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa

In this study, we examined the phylogeographical structure of three frog species (Anhydrophryne rattrayi, Arthroleptis wageri and Cacosternum nanum) in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. The first two species are forest dwelling and exhibit direct development, whereas the last species is a habitat generalist, breeding in open freshwater bodies and exhibiting rapid metamorphosis. Evolutionary relationships were inferred using combined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data [16S rRNA and cytochrome b (Cytb)]. Divergence times were estimated for each species using the combined mtDNA dataset, and population genetic structuring was inferred using haplotype networks and analysis of molecular variance using the rapidly evolving Cytb locus. The two forest-dwelling species (Anhydrophryne rattrayi and Arthroleptis wageri) each revealed two statistically well-supported clades and were characterized by marked genetic differentiation and the general absence of shared maternal haplotypes, indicating no maternal gene flow between conspecific populations; a result corroborated by moderate values of pairwise genetic distance. In contrast, for the generalist species C. nanum, two shallow clades were observed and several haplotypes were shared between localities, indicating moderate maternal gene flow. Diversification in the two forest-dwelling species occurred during the Plio-Pleistocene climatic oscillations and was associated with increased xeric conditions, whereas in C. nanum a recent, Holocene divergence was inferred. Ancient climatic factors thought to be causal in the divergences within each of the three species are discussed. The marked mtDNA differentiation in the two forest specialist species suggests the presence of distinct management units that should be considered in future conservation management decisions.