@article{fdi:010037743,
  title = {{F}reshwater paths across the ocean: molecular phylogeny of the frog {P}tychadena newtoni gives insights into amphibian colonization of oceanic islands},
  author = {{M}easey, {J}ohn {G}. and {V}ences, {M}. and {D}rewes, {R}. {C}. and {C}hiari, {Y}. and {M}elo, {M}. and {B}ourl{\`e}s, {B}ernard},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}im {A}mphibians are a model group for studies of the biogeographical origins of salt-intolerant taxa on oceanic islands. {W}e used the {G}ulf of {G}uinea islands to explore the biogeographical origins of island endemism of one species of frog, and used this to gain insights into potential colonization mechanisms. {L}ocation {S}ao {T}ome and {P}rincipe, two of the four major islands in the {G}ulf of {G}uinea, {W}est {A}frica, are truly oceanic and have an exceptionally high biodiversity. {M}ethods {M}itochondrial {DNA} is used to test the endemic status of a frog from {S}ao {T}ome and compare it with congeneric taxa from tropical {A}frica. {E}xisting data on surface currents, surface salinity, atmospheric circulation and bird migration in the {G}ulf of {G}uinea are summarized to address hypotheses concerning colonization mechanisms. {R}esults {T}he endemic status of {P}tychadena newtoni ({B}ocage) is supported here by mitochondrial {DNA} sequences, and analysis of this and other molecular data indicates that an {E}ast {A}frican species close to {P}tychadena mascareniensis ({D}umeril and {B}ibron) is its nearest relative. {W}e refute the possibility that this population was anthropogenically introduced, in favour of a natural dispersal mechanism. {M}ain conclusions {W}ith six endemic frogs and one caecilian, the {G}ulf of {G}uinea islands harbour a diverse amphibian fauna. {F}ive of these species appear to have their closest relatives in {E}ast {A}frica. {I}nsufficient evidence exists for transportation by storms, birds or rafts alone. {H}owever, we propose a synergy of rafting, favourable surface currents and a reduction in salinity of surface waters. {C}atastrophic events, or wet periods in climatic history, could allow freshwater paths to open far enough to enable continental flora and fauna to reach these and other isolated oceanic islands.},
  keywords = {{A}mphibia ; {A}nura ; {C}ameroon line ; colonization ; dispersal ; {G}ulf of {G}uinea ; {G}ymnophiona ; island biogeography ; phylogeny},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{J}ournal of {B}iogeography},
  volume = {34},
  numero = {1},
  pages = {7--20},
  ISSN = {0305-0270},
  year = {2007},
  DOI = {10.1111/j.1365-2699.2006.01589.x},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010037743},
}