Characterization of testicular histology and spermatogenesis in the Levantine frog, Pelophylax bedriagae (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae)

Amphibians occupy a position of great interest in terms of vertebrate evolution. Additionally, amphibians are known as a transitional group between amniotes and anamniotes. However, there are few studies on the gametogenesis of anamniotes vertebrates, especially anurans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the histological feature of germ cells and their arrangement in the testis of Levantine frog, Pelophylax bedriagae (Camerano, 1882). Spermatogenic cells were organized in spermatocysts. Each spermatocyst contained cells at the same stage of the spermatogenic cycle. Identification of each cellular type in seminiferous tubule was carried out according to the size and morphology of cells and the degree of nuclear material compaction. Spermatogonia were large cells localized at the base of the seminiferous epithelium. Primary spermatocytes were examined in different phases of first meiotic division and distinguished from other cell types by their dark spherical nuclei or looser chromatin. Two types of spermatids, spherical and elongated cells, were observed. Seminiferous tubules were surrounded by peritubular myoid cells, and they contained no lumen. The lack of lumen in the seminiferous tubules and the cystic spermatogenesis probably provide synchronously production of a large number of sperms. The location of hyaluronic acid was also determined in interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules to probably provide testicular integrity and viscoelasticity.

Prevalence and pathology of Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tadpoles of Pelophylax bedriagae (Anura: Ranidae) in Antalya, Turkey

Prevalence and pathology of Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea: Lernaeidae) parasitizing tadpoles of Pelophylax bedriagae (Anura: Ranidae) in Antalya, Turkey. This is a report of the frst record of the occurrence of Lernaea cyprinacea on tadpoles of Pelophylax bedriagae, a frog species native from Karpuzçay Creek, Antalya, Turkey. A total of 20 tadpoles of P. bedriagae were examined and 14 (70%) specimens were infected. A maximum of two parasites per host was found, primarily around the cloaca. In general, slight to moderate hyperemia was noticed around the parasite. Typically, granuloma form in the tissues around the parasite. Histopathological examination revealed that hemorrhages and pathological lesions such as dermal erosions, and a chronic infammatory reaction in skin and muscle were present at the site of parasite attachment.

First bioacoustic and morphological data for the presence of Pelophylax bedriagae in Bulgaria

Water frog mating calls from two localities were studied and analyzed. Recordings were made in the summer of 2010 at the Arkutino swamp near the town of Primorsko and at the Vurbitza River near the town of Momchilgrad. A total of 154 calls were analyzed and the results suggested the presence of both the Marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) and the Levant frog (Pelophylax bedriagae) in both sites, with the former being more frequent in Vurbitza River, and the latter – in Arkutino. At Vurbitza, we also captured and measured 2 specimens, which morphological characteristics differed from P. ridibundus and matched those of P. bedriagae. These are the first localities for P. bedriagae in Bulgaria.

Natural history and conservation of the rediscovered Hula painted frog, Latonia nigriventer

Dramatic global amphibian declines have recently led to an increased concern for many species of this animal class. The enigmatic Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer), the first amphibian to be declared extinct but unexpectedly rediscovered in 2011, has remained one of the rarest and most poorly understood amphibians worldwide. Gathering basic biological information on this species, along with an understanding of its disease-related threats remains fundamental for developing risk assessments and conservation strategies. Our surveys in recent years confirmed that L. nigriventer is a localised species with elusive habits. The species appears to follow an opportunistic breeding phenology and has a tadpole morphology similar to its well-studied sister group Discoglossus. However, the adults’ extended annual presence in the aquatic habitat is a major difference from species of Discoglossus. We detected the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), in northern Israel and on Hula painted frogs but did not observe any signs of chytridiomycosis in this species. Our preliminary data on aspects of the innate immunity of L. nigriventer suggest that the skin mucosome of this species contains antimicrobial peptides and a bacterial community differing from other syntopic frogs (Pelophylax bedriagae). The combined knowledge of both natural history and innate immunity of L. nigriventer provides valuable insights to direct future research and conservation management of this critically endangered frog species.