Ecological niche modeling and new distribution records of the central dwarf frogP. centralisBokermann, 1962 (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae) with comments on its taxonomic status

Abstract

Physalaemus centralis is distributed over open areas of eastern South America. Herein, we perform an extensive review of occurrence records and propose a potential distribution based on ecological niche modeling. In order to confirm species identification, as well taxonomic status along its distribution, we provide morphological and molecular data from analysed specimens. To reach our goals, we compiled data available in the literature and from scientific collections, as well as unpublished data. We identified records of P. centralis in 123 localities, 86 of those records remain unpublished. Consequently, it is possible to extend its range of distribution to the state of Rondonia, Brazil, and also to the Caatinga formation. The Maxent algorithm provided a model of potential distribution consistent with the distribution proposed here. Results indicate that P. centralis has a large distribution associated to open areas of South America (Cerrado, Caatinga and Pantanal), with no evidence that this is a case o...