Abstract:
Comparing of morphological character variation within taxa continues to
play an important role in improving species inventories. Using morphometrical and
non-meristic morphological adult characters, the diversity of the genus Ptychadena
in Taita Hills was studied. Comparative material from elsewhere was not used, and
therefore species names were only provisionally allocated to the taxa identified. Available
names were discussed on the basis of comparisons with morphological data from
other regions. The results revealed that female species are larger in size than males.
Two species were identified and for each a standardized diagnosis of 32 characters is
provided. Comparison of results with morphological data from related studies done
elsewhere reveals that certain characters are of critical importance in differentiating
the two Ptychadena species. The power of these morphological characters is discussed,
especially for the background of rapid and easy identification of Ptychadena species in
the field for conservation purposes.
