Phylogenetic Study of Bufonidae (Amphibia: Anura) from Sumatera and Asia Based on Cytochrome B Gene

Bufonidae is widely distributed amphibian family around the world, including Indonesia (Sumatra) and Asia. Sumatra is an island which has separated because of sea level increase and create gene flows barrier for amphibian in Sumatra and Asia. The purpose of this research is to analyse Bufonidae phylogenetic which exist in several locations in Sumatra and Asia based on gene cytochrome b analysis. Samples were collected from six localities in West Sumatra. DNA extraction and amplification has been done in Genetics and Cell Biology Laboratory, Andalas University, whereas DNA sequencing were analyzed at MacroGen USA DNA Sequencing Laboratory, South Korea. About 14 tissue samples of Bufonidae from West Sumatra has been analyzed. The relationship of Bufonidae phylogenetics in Sumatra and Asia were divided into three main clusters. Duttaphrynus melanostictus in Sumatra is closer to Duttaphrynus melanostictus from India with 0,3-0,5% sequence divergence and it is a group of paraphyletic with Duttaphrynus melanostictus from Vietnam, Taiwan, and China.

On a new species of the Genus Spinicauda, Travassos (1920) (Nematoda: Heterakidae) in Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Anura: Bufonidae ) from Industrial area of Aurangabad (Maharashtra) India

Spinicauda anurae sp. nov. from the intestine of Duttaphrynus melanostictus [21] collected from industrial area of Aurangabad (M.S.) India. The specimens under investigation show the resemblance in their various body characters with S. cophotis Baylis, [7]. Morphologically the most closely related species is S. voltaensis [2] in Bufo sp. from Burkina Faso, but it differs in smooth cuticle and is less sclerotized.

Variations in oxidative stress and antioxidant defense level during different phases of hibernation in common Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus

To assess redox status during hibernation with metabolic depression, oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant defense were assessed during different phases of hibernation including active period, hibernation, arousal, and post arousal period, in the liver and brain tissues of Duttaphrynus melanostictus. We hypothesized low levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant defense during the hibernation period in comparison to the summer active period due to hypometabolism and their subsequent increase during the arousal period following an increase in body temperature and metabolism. Contrary to our hypothesis increased oxidative stress with significantly higher lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, GSSG/GSH ratio, and elevated antioxidants defense consisting of higher catalase activity and high ascorbic acid content to control oxidative stress were found during hibernation. However, GSH and uric acid levels were found low with SOD activities at a steady level during hibernation. Supporting our hypothesis increased oxidative stress with high lipid peroxidation and GSSG/GSH ratio were found during arousal from hibernation owing to increased oxygen consumption and rewarming. Augmented catalase and SOD activities and nonenzymatic antioxidants (GSH, ascorbic acid, and uric acid) level were found to counteract oxidative stress during arousal periods as it was expected. A steady level of protein carbonylation indicating no oxidative damage during arousal from hibernation due to elevated antioxidant defense shows the significance of hibernation to overcome food and water scarcity and cold climatic condition. Decrease in antioxidants levels accompanying coming down of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and GSSG/GSH ratio to their lower levels during post arousal period showing normalcy in redox status as it was during active period indicates controllability of oxidative stress in hibernating toads.

Yet another kukri snake piercing an anuran abdomen: Oligodon ocellatus (Morice, 1875) eats Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Vietnam

A case of Oligodon ocellatus eating a toxic adult toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, in Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam, is provided. We found a kukri snake having buried its head deeply into the abdomen of the toad and probably being in the process of eating organs. Subsequently, the toad was swallowed whole and the kukri snake moved away and disappeared with the toad’s hind feet still visible from its mouth. It is hypothesised that the behaviour of eviscerating or piercing anurans to eat their organs has been developed in the O. cyclurus species group or clade. This has now been observed in three species.

Eviscerated alive: Novel and macabre feeding strategy in Oligodon fasciolatus (Günther, 1864) eating organs of Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Thailand

A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciolatus in Northeast Thailand. Three cases of O. fasciolatus using enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to cut open the abdomen of a live poisonous toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and eat its organs are described. The snakes and toads fought vigorously, and the toads secreted toxic white liquid on the dorsum and neck. The snakes inserted their heads into the abdomen of the toads, pulled out some of the organs and swallowed them. The snakes and toads were adults. All three cases were documented by extensive photographic material. In a fourth case from Central Thailand, an adult O. fasciolatus was observed swallowing an entire semi-adult D. melanostictus. The majority of all snake species swallow their prey in one piece, but to place our observations in a broader context we review a number of exceptions.