Biogeography and evolutionary history of Hyperolius species: application of molecular phylogeny

Aim We propose a phylogeny of selected Hyperolius species (Anura: Hyperolii dae), based on mtDNA sequence data and parsimony analysis. This phylogeny w as used to interpret the historical biogeography of the genus in Africa. Location Samples were collected throughout the distribution of Hyperolius i n Africa. Methods We compiled distributional maps of all species, summarized historic al changes in vegetation and climate in Africa since the late Cretaceous, a nd used these in combination to identify historical factors that may have c ontributed to speciation in these frogs. A phylogeny for Hyperolius was der ived from mtDNA sequence data and interpreted in terms of climatic and vege tation changes in Africa. Main conclusions Lowland rainforest is proposed to have been the ancestral habitat of Hyperolius. The expansion of savannah and reduction of lowland r ainforest were identified as important factors in the differentiation of th e more basal species. Finally the development of the Rift Valley system pla yed an important role in the speciation of derived species with relatively limited distributions.