Phylogenetic position of “Cochranella” megista (Anura: Centrolenidae) and first records for Ecuador

Abstract

“Cochranella” megista is an Endangered and rarely encountered species of glass frog that, until now, had been only registered in the Colombian Andes. Here we report this species for the first time in Ecuador, expanding its known distribution ca. 530 km south of its original range. Additionally, we include C. megista in a molecular phylogeny for the first time and unambiguously place the species in the genus Nymphargus, resulting in a new combination. Habitat in both countries is fragmented and is threatened by mining concessions and agriculture.

Keywords

• Amphibians
• Conservation
• Greater Andean Glassfrog
• Nymphargus
• Río Manduriacu Reserve
• Threatened species