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Gene flow in a direct-developing, leaf litter frog between isolated mountains in the Taita Hills, Kenya

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Abstract

Amphibians are in decline worldwide, and high altitude tropical areas appear to be the worst affected. This is in stark contrast with current information we have on gene flow in amphibian populations which focus on temperate pond breeding species. Using AFLP markers, we show that a small, direct-developing, leaf litter frog from the Taita Hills in south–west Kenya (Schoutedenella xenodactyloides) has extended populations covering large areas (>3.5 km) of fragmented, forest habitat, uncharacteristic of typical amphibian models. Further, we demonstrate high levels of gene flow (F ST < 0.065) through unsuitable dry savannah habitat which might otherwise be considered a barrier to dispersal. Landscape genetic analysis demonstrates a strong link between hydrologic features, and further highlights links between sites through specific catchments. We propose a model of passive-active dispersal for the Dwarf Squeaker, S. xenodactyloides, which features passive downhill and active uphill movements over large areas, contrasting with limited cross slope movements. Our study highlights the importance of the diverse reproductive strategies of the Amphibia when considering dispersal and gene flow, and hence conservation management.

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Acknowledgements

GJM would like to thank Beryl Akoth Bwong, Flo Dubs, Simon Mwombeyo and Jonam Mwandoe for help with collection of Dwarf Squeakers. Permission for collections was kindly granted by the National Museums of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service, the Taita-Taveta district officer and the Kenyan Ministry of Forestry Taita-Taveta division. Luc Lens, Toon Spanhove and Valerie Lehouck provided logistical help and support in the Taita Hills. Barney Clarke, Frank Adriaensen, Flo Dubs and Wouter Vanreusel gave valuable support for GIS analysis. David Blackburn is thanked for his insightful discussion and information concerning the biology of Dwarf Squeakers. AFLPs would not have been possible without the technical skills and competence of David Halfmaerten and special thanks are extended to him. GJM was supported by a visiting fellowship of the fund for scientific research Flanders, Belgium (FWO-Vl) and a grant for exploration from the Percy Sladen Memorial Fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Laboratory of Animal Ecology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 , Antwerp, Belgium

    G. J. Measey, P. Galbusera & E. Matthysen

  2. Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC), Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp, Koningin Astridplein 26, 2018, Antwerp, Belgium

    P. Galbusera

  3. Institute for Forestry and Game Management, 9500, Geraardsbergen, Belgium

    P. Breyne

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  1. G. J. Measey
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  2. P. Galbusera
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  3. P. Breyne
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  4. E. Matthysen
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Correspondence to G. J. Measey.

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Measey, G.J., Galbusera, P., Breyne, P. et al. Gene flow in a direct-developing, leaf litter frog between isolated mountains in the Taita Hills, Kenya. Conserv Genet 8, 1177–1188 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-006-9272-0

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