Re-evaluation of the status of Bufo vertebralis grindleyi and Bufo jordani (Anura: Bufonidae)

We use mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences and morphology to re-evaluate the taxonomy of Bufo verte-bralis grindleyi POYNTON, 1963, currently a junior synonym of Poyntonophrynus fenoulheti (HEWITT & METHUEN, 1912); and morphology and advertisement calls to re-evaluate the status of Bufo jordani PARKER, 1936, currently a junior synonym of Poyntonophrynus hoeschi (AHL, 1934). According to our results including comparisons to other congeners, we elevate both taxa to full species as Poyntonophrynus grindleyi (POYNTON, 1963) and Poyntonophrynus jordani (PARKER, 1936). Our new P. grindleyi record is the first record of the species for Mozambique.

Automated summary

In this study, we use genetic sequences and morphology to re-evaluate the taxonomy of Bufo vertebralis grindleyi and Bufo jordani. Based on our results and comparisons to related species, we elevate both taxa to full species status as Poyntonophrynus grindleyi and Poyntonophrynus jordani, respectively. Additionally, we report the first record of P. grindleyi in Mozambique.