Revising the Taxonomy of Pelodryadid Frogs
- Michael Mahony
- Aug 7
- 1 min read
By Michael Mahony
Figure 9. Images in life of Amnihyla
This document presents a comprehensive phylogenetic revision of the Pelodryadidae family of Australo-Papuan hyloid frogs, addressing the historical instability and contentiousness of their generic classification. Using extensive mitochondrial and phylogenomic DNA datasets, alongside morphological, acoustic, and life history data, the authors established a well-resolved phylogeny for the family. This robust framework allowed for the reclassification of the 233 species from three genera into 35 distinct genera, resolving the long-standing issue of the paraphyletic genus Litoria and reinstating the distinct generic status of Cyclorana and Nyctimystes. The new classification provides a stable and functionally valuable taxonomy for a wide range of scientific and conservation applications.
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