A new addition to the frog fauna of Uruguay, Physalaemus cristinae Cardozo et al., 2023 (Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Abstract

We present the first finding in Uruguay of the recently described frog Physalaemus cristinae. Adult specimens were collected in two localities of north-western Uruguay, on the east bank of the Uruguay River: near the city of Bella Unión associated to temporal ponds of an agricultural area; and in an urban area within the city of Salto. The advertisement call consisted of a single and non-pulsed note, characteristic of P. cristinae. In addition, partial sequences of the cytochrome b gene confirmed the species identity. We consider that the presence of P. cristinae in north-western Uruguay, previously unregistered in a well sampled area, is due to recent cross-river dispersal from populations in the Provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes, Argentina, on the west bank of the Uruguay River.