Phylogenetic confirmation of generic allocation and specific distinction of Mawphlang Golden-cheeked Frog <Odorrana mawphlangensis> (Pillai & Chanda, 1977) (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) and its updated distribution records

We report on the phylogenetic position (16S rRNA) of the Mawphlang Golden-cheeked Frog Odorrana mawphlangensis collected from Meghalaya (topotypical) and Mizoram, northeastern India. Morphologically, our new specimens agreed with the original description and subsequent redescription of O. mawphlangensis, thus ratifying the generic placement of O. mawphlangensis and its specific distinction from O. grahami, to which it was hypothesized to be a synonym owing to morphological similarities. The observed interspecific genetic distances within the genus Odorrana from our study ranged from 0.00% (O. mawphlangensis) to 11% (O. fengkaiensis). The uncorrected K2p-distance of 16S rRNA among Odorrana species revealed O. mawphlangensis is closest to its sister species O. jingdongensis, with a genetic distance of 3.7%. This study identifies and confirms the collected samples from Mizoram as O. mawphlangensis and also presents an updated distribution record from northeastern Indian state of Mizoram apart from its type locality in Meghalaya.