Chromosome Data and Karyotype Diversity of Anurans from Madagascar: Half a Century After the First Broad Cytosystematic Approach

Madagascar is one of the world’s most prominent biodiversity hotspots and is characterized by exceptionally high amphibian diversity, with 429 currently described, mostly endemic species. However, cytogenetic research on Malagasy amphibians has been conducted only intermittently over the years. Previous studies, mostly using conventional staining and banding methods and often confined to single taxa or isolated families, have provided only partial insights into the karyotype evolution and genome organization of the major Malagasy clades. In this contribution, we present the first comprehensive synthesis of all available cytogenetic data on Malagasy anurans, including chromosome number and morphology, heterochromatin distribution, and chromosomal markers across the major endemic Malagasy families. By integrating and comparing results from decades of scattered studies, this review reveals consistent patterns of chromosomal diversification and identifies evolutionary trends associated with speciation and adaptive radiation in Malagasy amphibians. Overall, native Malagasy amphibian species can be subdivided into two main karyotype groups: the first includes karyotypes with only biarmed chromosomes (Heterixalus, Ptychadena, Boophis, Mantella, and Guibemantis), while the second comprises karyotypes with one or more uniarmed elements (Gephyromantis, Mantidactylus, and Microhylidae). The localization of NORs follows a diverse pattern, often varying even among closely related species. Heterochromatin distribution and composition also appear to be species-specific and thus taxonomically informative. Beyond summarizing existing knowledge, this work establishes a unified framework for interpreting chromosome evolution within the unique biogeography and evolutionary history of Madagascar. Our synthesis provides essential baseline data for future molecular, genomic, and conservation studies, thereby enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms that have generated and maintained the island’s extraordinary amphibian diversity.