Genetic evidence for human-mediated introduction of Anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax cf. bedriagae) to Cyprus (Amphibia: Ranidae)

Abstract

We found in two water frogs captured in Cyprus, the distribution area of P. cypriensis, nuclear alleles and mitochondrial haplotypes that are characteristic of Anatolian water frogs, Pelophylax cf. bedriagae. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data strongly indicate that the ancestors of these two frogs did not arrive on Cyprus via a land bridge or overseas dispersal but were unintentionally introduced by humans, most probably together with carp fingerlings. Both individuals exhibited recombined nuclear genomes characteristic of backcross hybrids. Further investigations are needed to estimate the amount of introgression of allochthonous alleles into the gene pool of P. cypriensis.