Malays. Appl. Biol. (2018) 47(1): 15–21
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF THE SARAWAK Microhyla
(AMPHIBIAN: ANURA: MICROHYLIDAE)
RAMLAH ZAINUDIN1,2* and NOORAINA ATIRA ALAUDIN1
1Faculty of Resources Sciences and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,
94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
2Center for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,
94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
*E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Accepted 14 February 2018, Published online 31 March 2018
ABSTRACT
Microhyla is a genus of diminutive frogs that its taxonomic still remains misconceived. This study attempts to re-construct the relationships of the genus Microhyla in Sarawak by using 16S rRNA gene marker. Samples were collected from nine study areas in Northeastern and Southwestern region of Sarawak via forest and stream transects. Total of 498 bp of 16S rRNA gene were successfully sequenced from 29 individuals. All the phylogenetic topologies revealed two major clades strongly supported with slightly different topologies and groupings. Presumed the differences between these major group were relative of finger I length and numbers of metatarsal tubercles. M. berdmorei and M. borneensis (Clade A) can be grouped together considering relative of finger I is less than half of II and presence of two metatarsals tubercles. Per contra, M. petrigena and M. perparva (Clade B) have finger I present as a snub or pronounced bulge and single number of metatarsal tubercle. This study suggest that M. malang, M. nephenticola and M. borneensis are synonymous species as the results of low genetic divergence but there are lack of studies to prove this study.
Key words: Microhyla, 16S rRNA, phylogenetic relationship, synonymous
