Toads in Qatar: The species present and their probable original source. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamaguchi, Nobuyuki; Vasconcelos, Raquel; Mohamed, Toqa; Abdel-Fattah Ahmed, Talaat; Alatalo, Juha Mikael; Barnett, Ross
• Is Part Of: Journal of arid environments. Volume 160(2019)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Alien species -- Egypt -- Introduction -- Phylogeny -- Qatar -- Sclerophrys regularis; Arid regions ecology -- Periodicals; Arid regions -- Periodicals; Écologie des régions arides -- Périodiques; Régions arides -- Périodiques; 577.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2018.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1963

Abstract

Abstract: Toads are likely to have been introduced to Qatar, but little information is available on toad populations in the country, including the species present and their probable origin. Therefore, we collected tissue samples for analysis from 32 toads found in six different locations in northern and central Qatar. Phylogenetic analysis based on16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA identified two haplotypes in Qatar, which are identical to those of Sclerophrys regularis from Ismalia and from Rasheed (Rosetta) in Egypt. One haplotype is very common in central Qatar, while the other is more common in the north. It is possible that toads have been introduced from Egypt to Qatar on multiple occasions, although we cannot reject the possibility of a single introduction event containing toads of both haplotypes with subsequent dispersal across the country. Highlights: Toads are likely to have been introduced to Qatar. We collected 32 toad samples in six locations in northern and central Qatar. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA. Samples identical to Sclerophrys regularis from Egypt.