Análise da ocorrência de amplexo interespecífico e de hibridação em anfíbios anuros

Abstract

Anuran amphibians stand out for the diversity of reproductive strategies, including behaviors that reveal the adaptability of these species. Interspecific amplexus, i.e., mating between different species, is common in the group and is considered a catalyst for hybridization. Although it may be a natural and adaptive phenomenon, hybridization can also have negative impacts, and this duality is still underexplored in the group. This factor may be particularly relevant in the global south, the region with the highest number of anuran species but relatively lacking in investments in molecular biology for biodiversity research compared to the global north. Considering the lack of knowledge about the relationship between natural history observetions and molecular studies in the field of hybridization, we conducted a systematic literature review using the PRISMA protocol. We aimed to identify all cases of interspecific amplexus and hybrids that were genetically confirmed in the group, investigating correspondence of genera, the distribution of cases among genera, and the regions of the globe where they were most reported. Only 25% of cases of interspecific amplexus between species of the same genus had confirmed hybrids, mainly in the genus Rhinella. Brazil and the USA were the most represented countries, with the latter leading in hybrid confirmations. The regional analysis indicated a significantly higher confirmation of hybrids in countries in the global north. Of the confirmed hybrids, only 14% had confirmation of interspecific amplexus, with Anaxyrus being the most common. Although the USA led with 41 records, only seven had confirmed interspecific amplexus. We observed a trend of higher confirmation of interspecific amplexus in the global north, although this relationship was not statistically significant. Our analyses reveal a sampling bias, both in terms of anuran genera and geographic locations of occurrence. This could be explained by the disparity in scientific production between countries in the global north and south, evidencing the need of a more equitable approach and the challenges faced by science in the developing world due to a lack of funding. In summary, our results indicate the need for a greater focus on species from various genera in the global south. This approach will help increase knowledge about anurans in this biodiverse region, contributing to the conservation of the group, as hybridization impacts systematics and taxonomy—essential criteria for promoting public policies for biodiversity conservation.