Systematics and Biogeography of the Rainforest Herpetofauna of Madagascar

拟开展的研究是：（1）确定 马达加斯加残余雨林的多样性;（2）确定 组成物种的分布和相对丰度; (3)估计种属系统关系 基于形态学的分支和表型分析， 遗传、染色体、行为和生活史数据;（4）使用 支序学方法来分析 （5）确定马达加斯加的前马达加斯加姐妹群体; 热带雨林特有属， （6）制作专著、检索表和野外实地考察资料; 对负责以下工作的土地经理有用的指南： （7）建立一个数据库， 分发记录，以确定保育优先次序;及（8） 培训马达加斯加学生学习爬虫学和田野学 生物学 一些附带目标是启动一项关于 性选择，物种形成，和发声在两个最 不同的青蛙属Boohis和Mantidactylus;研究反捕食者 微囊蟾蜍的机制;生态学和生活史的编纂 所有雨林物种的数据;帮助建立一个精心策划的 马达加斯加国家动物园的两栖动物和爬行动物 和国立大学;并提供信息和 向马达加斯加官员提出的关于保护 马达加斯加爬虫动物群。 目前有280名 产于马达加斯加的热带雨林两栖爬行动物。 这 占马达加斯加爬虫动物总数的70%， 至少50%的马达加斯加陆地特有物种 脊椎动物 因此，热带雨林的两栖动物群是一个极端 马达加斯加特有脊椎动物群的重要组成部分。 现在进行两栖动物区系调查至关重要，因为 有充分的证据表明马达加斯加的雨林正在消失 (even保护区），每年约111，000公顷。 这项拟议中的研究将对雨林产生重大影响 保护倡议。

The proposed research is to (1) determine the herpetofaunal diversity of the remnant rainforests of Madagascar; (2) determine the distribution and relative abundance of the component species; (3) estimate the systematic relationships of species and genera based on cladistic and phenetric analyses of morphological, genetic, chromosomal, behavioral, and life history data; (4) use cladistic methods to analyze biogeographic patterns within Madagascar; (5) determine the ex-Madagascan sister groups of the endemic rainforest genera in conjunction with an analysis of the origin of the herpetofauna; (6) produce monographs, keys, and field guides that will be useful to land managers charged with conservation of the Madagascan fauna; (7) compile a data base of distribution records to identify conservation priorities; and (8) train Malagasy students in the disciplines of herpetology and field biology. Some collateral objectives are to initiate a study of sexual selection, speciation, and vocalization in the two most diverse frog genera Boohis and Mantidactylus; study antipredator mechanisms in microhylid toads; compile ecological and life history data for all rainforest species; help to establish a well-curated collection of amphibians and reptiles at Madagascar's National Zoo and National University; and provide information and recommendations to Malagasy officials regarding conservation of the Madagascan herpetofauna. There are 280 currently recognized species of rainforest amphibians and reptiles in Madagascar. This represents 70 percent of the total Madagascan herpetofauna and at least 50 percent of Madagascar's endemic species of terrestrial vertebrates. Thus, the rainforest herpetofauna is an extremely important component of the endemic vertebrate fauna of Madagascar. It is crucial that herpetofaunal survey be done now, because it is well documented that the Madagascan rainforest is disappearing (even in reserves) at a rate of about 111,000 hectares annually. The proposed research would have a major impact on rainforest conservation initiatives.