Odorrana


Odorrana, commonly known as odorous frogs, is a genus of true frogs from East Asia and surrounding regions. Many of these frogs inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, and they typically have a remarkably pointed snout, as evidenced by common names like tip-nosed frog and scientific names like nasica or nasutus.

Systematics and taxonomy

Odorrana has a confusing taxonomic and systematic history. Most species placed in the genus were initially placed in Rana. Some were considered to belong in Amolops and Huia instead, and while others were separated as Eburana. The most extreme taxonomic hypothesis would merge Odorrana with Huia.
In the early 21st century, molecular phylogenetic studies established that the systematic confusion was due to widespread convergent evolution between Amolops, Huia and Odorrana, which actually represent quite distinct lineages of the frog subfamily Raninae. This necessitated some taxonomic changes, especially affecting Huia. Odorrana also appears to be a rather close relative of Rana, and may even be its sister group. While it is not completely certain that Odorrana is in fact a distinct genus, the available evidence points towards this being so.
Initial studies have revealed what seems to be several clades of Odorrana, which are sometimes considered subgenera. However, molecular data is available for relatively few species, and convergent evolution is liable to obscure relationships if assessed by morphology alone.
In addition, the Phu Luang cliff frog might belong in Odorrana too.