The evolution of Sumatran stream-dwelling frogs

Do the distribution patterns correlate with ancient river systems?

Sundaland (the Sunda Shelf) is a "hotspot of biodiversity hotspots" in that it is divided into many islands with unique fauna. In geological time, the islands of Sumatra, Java, Borneo and other smaller islands were repeatedly connected to mainland Asia, especially repeatedly during the Pleistocene, when sea levels were low. In this project, we investigate the distribution, phylogenetic relationships, systematics and morphology of cascade frogs of the genus Huia mainly on Sumatra. Samples will be collected along Sumatra's longitudinal range. We will investigate whether there are patterns in species distribution and intraspecific divisions that can be detected by genetic and morphometric analyses and that correlate with geological regions. In particular, we will examine whether inter- and intraspecific patterns can be related to the three major watersheds of the region. We hope that the patterns we develop will provide predictive values for other frog groups on Sumatra. The discovery of new species in the course of the project is very likely. Knowing the distribution of these species, which are highly adapted to flowing water with their larvae, will be valuable data for future conservation efforts in this very endangered region.

The research project takes place in cooperation with the Institut Teknologi Bandung in Indonesia and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The project is being worked on by the doctoral student Umilaela: