Amphibians of the Palearctic: taxonomic composition

Abstract

Some general principles of zoogeography are considered. The regionalization based on various animal groups might result in different zoogeographic schemes. Therefore, it would be quite desirable to accumulate reliable data with various taxonomic groups as a subject of comparative zoogeography. Zoogeographic regionalization should be based on animal distribution itself but not on any other external factors. The identification of realm affinities of species should include both the recent distribution of the species and its phylogenetic position (relationships) within higher taxa (species groups, genus, etc.). The distribution of amphibian species in the north, west (Atlantic archipelagos) and east of temperate Eurasia was analysed in order to identify the borders of the Palearctic Realm. Special attention was paid to the southern limits of the Palearctic in North Africa (Sahara Desert), Middle East (Sinai, Arabian Peninsula, Iran), Afghanistan, Pakistan, western Himalaya, as well as in China аnd Japan. Outlined territory of the Palearctic harbors 214 amphibian species from 47 genera, 17 families and two orders. The composition of amphibians of the Palearctic is analysed in taxonomic and zoogeographic aspects. The Palearctic share was evaluated in relation to amphibians of the World, endemism level among species, genera, and families was calculated as well. Differentiation of genera (monotypic and other, in terms of species richess and range’s size) as well as species was discussed. Attached are the description of a new toad genus, Strauchophryne gen. nov., and full list of amphibian species, genera and families of the Palearctic, with designation of realm affinity and endemism for all species.