Conservation and historical biogeography: How did the mountain chicken frog get to the Caribbean?

Abstract

Leptodactylus fallax, commonly known as the mountain chicken frog, is a large terrestrial frog currently found on two islands in the Caribbean. Habitat destruction, overhunting and disease outbreaks have contributed to declining population numbers. In order to identify appropriate conservation strategies, the historic geographic distribution of this frog must first be determined. Because no archeological evidence exists, this was accomplished by reviewing historical documents and inspecting museum collections. Inaccuracies in location and species names were identified in documents as well as in the mislabeling of museum specimens. Two means for natural immigration (dispersal and vicariance) and the artificial introduction by humans were considered. The authors concluded that the Amerindians transported L. fallax to eight islands throughout the Lesser Antilles as potential food resources as they colonized this area. The implication that 75% of the historical distribution is currently unoccupied by this species is considered in light of future reintroduction projects. Key words: Leptodactylus fallax, Amerindians, dispersal, vicariance.